Boston Celtics Jayson Tatum vs Sacramento Kings defense (Image via Getty) The Boston Celtics begin the new year on the road against the Sacramento Kings on January 1, 2026, at Golden 1 Center. It’s a game shaped by injuries more than star matchups, with both teams missing key players. Boston arrives in steady form. Sacramento is trying to stop a slide that has only grown worse over the past week.Boston has won five of its last six games and sits near the top of the East despite playing without its best player. Sacramento, on the other hand, comes home after two heavy losses to Los Angeles teams, including a 41-point defeat. The gap in form is clear, but the Kings are short on options and still need to compete.
Boston Celtics vs Sacramento Kings Game details and setting (January 1, 2025)
Tip-off is set for 10:00 PM ET in Sacramento. This is part of a five-game road trip for Boston Celtics, which has handled travel well so far. The Sacramento Kings return home hoping the change of venue helps after a rough stretch on both ends of the floor.
Celtics vs Kings Injury report for January 1
Both teams are missing major rotation pieces, forcing adjustments across the lineup.TeamPlayerStatusInjury/Details Celtics Jayson Tatum OUT Right Achilles repair Celtics Chris Boucher OUT/QUESTIONABLE Illness / personal reasons Kings Domantas Sabonis OUT Left knee partial meniscus tear (out until late January) Kings Zach LaVine OUT Left ankle sprain (extended absence) Kings Drew Eubanks OUT Left thumb injury (extended absence)Boston remains third in the East at 20-12 even without Tatum. Sacramento’s 8-25 record reflects how much these injuries have hurt them.
How to watch tonight’s Boston Celtics vs Sacramento Kings (January 1, 2025)
The game will air on NBC Sports Boston and NBC Sports California. Streaming options include NBA League Pass, Fubo, and Peacock. Radio coverage is available on 98.5 The Sports Hub in Boston and Sactown Sports 1140 in Sacramento.
Boston Celtics vs Sacramento Kings Team stats and recent trends
Boston Celtics continue to defend at a high level, while Sacramento Kings have struggled badly to get stops.CategoryCelticsKings Record 20–12 (3rd East) 8–25 (14th West) PPG 116.9 111.0 OPP PPG 110.8 122.3 FG% .473 .461Boston also holds a +5.3 net rating per 100 possessions without Tatum.
Players to watch in tonight’s Boston Celtics vs Sacramento Kings (January 1, 2025)
Jaylen Brown has carried the offense, averaging 30.0 points along with strong rebounding and passing. Derrick White continues to impact games with defense, ball movement, and timely scoring. For Sacramento, Keegan Murray’s shot blocking and Russell Westbrook’s passing are central to keeping the game close.
Celtics vs Kings Odds and outlook
Boston is favored by 9.5 points, with the total set between 227.5 and 229.5. The Celtics’ depth and defense point toward a controlled road win, with a projected score around 118-106. Sacramento’s rest and home floor may help early, but Boston holds the edge.