The Boston Celtics visit the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, December 28, at Moda Center, with tip-off at 3:30 p.m. ET. Boston holds a 19-11 record and is riding a four-game winning streak, while Portland sits at 12-19 and has lost three straight games.
Boston will be without Jayson Tatum (right Achilles repair), Chris Boucher (personal reasons), Ron Harper Jr., Max Shulga, and Amari Williams (all G League two-way). Jordan Walsh is listed as probable with an illness.
Portland faces significant absences, including Jerami Grant (left Achilles tendonitis), Scoot Henderson (left hamstring tear), Jrue Holiday (right calf strain), Damian Lillard (left Achilles management), and Matisse Thybulle (left thumb ligament). Kris Murray and Robert Williams III are questionable with cervical soreness and knee issues, respectively.
Jaylen Brown leads Boston with 29.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists while shooting 36.7% from three. Derrick White adds 18.5 points and 5.1 assists, with Payton Pritchard contributing 16.9 points and 5.2 assists. Neemias Queta provides a strong interior presence, averaging 10.1 points and 8.0 rebounds.
Portland relies on Deni Avdija, who averages 25.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists, with Shaedon Sharpe contributing 22.1 points per game. Donovan Clingan adds 10.4 points and 10.4 rebounds, while Jerami Grant’s absence leaves a scoring and defensive void.
Boston’s recent wins include a 103-95 victory over Indiana and a 112-96 win against Toronto, highlighting the team’s depth despite Tatum’s absence. Portland has dropped three straight, including a 119-103 loss to the Clippers and a 106-110 defeat against Orlando, struggling without key stars.
