Trail Blazers Face Celtics in Key Cross-Conference Clash
BOSTON, 27 January 2026 – The Boston Celtics aim to avenge an early-season defeat when they host the Portland Trail Blazers at TD Garden on Monday night. The contest features significant injury concerns for the visitors and the return of veteran guard Jrue Holiday to his former home court.
Season Series and Form Guide
The Trail Blazers won the first meeting between these sides on 28 December 2025, securing a 114-108 victory in Portland behind 26 points from Shaedon Sharpe. Since the turn of the year, Portland has been one of the league’s form teams, posting a 9-3 record in 2026 to climb to a .500 win percentage (23-23). The Celtics (28-17), meanwhile, have been inconsistent of late, splitting their last 10 games but remaining firmly in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Key Team Facts & Injury Report
| Portland Trail Blazers (23-23) | Boston Celtics (28-17) |
|---|---|
| Key Absence: Deni Avdija (Back) – Out. The team’s leading scorer (26.0 ppg) will miss his second straight game. | Key Absence: Jayson Tatum (Achilles) – Out for the season. |
| Other Injuries: Matisse Thybulle, Scoot Henderson, Duop Reath, Kris Murray – All Out. Robert Williams III (Knee) – Available. | Other Injuries: Luka Garza, Chris Boucher (Illness) – Out. Neemias Queta (Illness) & Josh Minott (Ankle) – Available. |
| Recent Form: Lost last game (110-98 to TOR). 7-3 in last 10. | Recent Form: Lost last game (114-111 to CHI). 5-5 in last 10. |
| Top Performer: Shaedon Sharpe (21.9 ppg). | Top Performer: Jaylen Brown (29.8 ppg, 4th in NBA). |
Major Storylines
Homecoming for Holiday: Veteran guard Jrue Holiday will play in Boston for the first time since being traded to Portland last July in the deal that sent Anfernee Simons to the Celtics. Holiday is on a minutes restriction as he works back from a calf strain but provides leadership for a shorthanded Blazers squad.
Simons Making His Case: Anfernee Simons, acquired in the Holiday trade, is making it difficult for the Celtics to consider moving him as the trade deadline approaches. Coming off a 21-point performance off the bench against Chicago, Simons is averaging 13.9 points per game in his new role.
Brown’s Scoring Burden: With Jayson Tatum sidelined, Jaylen Brown has carried the offensive load for Boston. He is averaging 29.8 points per game and is coming off a 33-point effort in the loss to the Bulls, despite managing hamstring tightness.
Betting Odds & Prediction
Boston opens as a significant favourite at home, with the line at Celtics -8.5. The total points over/under is set at 224.5. The Celtics’ strong defence (2nd in points allowed at 110.0 per game) will be tested by a Portland offence missing its primary creator in Avdija. Boston’s depth and home-court advantage are expected to be decisive factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Deni Avdija playing for the Trail Blazers against the Celtics?
No. The Trail Blazers have ruled out leading scorer Deni Avdija for Monday’s game due to a lower back strain he sustained last week.
What time does the Trail Blazers vs Celtics game start?
The game is scheduled to tip off at 8:00 pm Eastern Standard Time on Monday 27 January 2026, at TD Garden in Boston.
How can I watch the Trail Blazers vs Celtics game?
Broadcast details are not specified in the available data, but the game is likely to be televised on regional sports networks or national broadcast partners.