The Moda Center in Portland is set for a classic NBA matchup this Sunday, December 28, 2025, as the surging Boston Celtics take on the beleaguered Portland Trail Blazers. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). The game presents a stark contrast in fortunes, with Boston riding high on momentum and Portland struggling to find a footing amidst a crippling injury crisis.
Team Form and Standings: A Tale of Two Cities
The Boston Celtics march into this contest with confidence, boasting a formidable four-game winning streak. Their season record stands at an impressive 19-11, which firmly plants them in third place in the competitive Eastern Conference. Their recent form, winning 8 of their last 10 games, showcases a team hitting its stride.
In stark contrast, the Portland Trail Blazers are heading in the opposite direction. They carry a disappointing 12-19 record, languishing at tenth in the Western Conference. Their morale is further dented by a three-game losing streak. A devastating series of injuries has ravaged their core rotation, forcing the team to rely heavily on younger, less experienced players against one of the league's elite defensive units.
Injury Report and Expected Lineups: Portland's Major Concern
The injury situation paints a clear picture of the challenges each team faces. The Celtics have a relatively clean bill of health, with only Chris Boucher ruled out due to illness.
Portland's list, however, is alarmingly long and features key personnel. The unavailable players include: Jrue Holiday (calf), Matisse Thybulle (thumb surgery), Scoot Henderson (hamstring), Blake Wesley (foot), Jerami Grant (Achilles), and Robert Williams III (knee). Holiday has no confirmed return date.
Given these absences, the expected lineups will see a significant imbalance. Boston is likely to start Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Neemias Queta, and Luka Garza.
Portland will be forced to lean overwhelmingly on Deni Avdija for both scoring and playmaking. He will be joined by Shaedon Sharpe, Donovan Clingan, and Toumani Camara. With Henderson, Holiday, and Wesley all sidelined, ball-handling duties will fall almost entirely on Avdija's shoulders.
Key Players, Trends, and How to Watch
Jaylen Brown has been the offensive engine for Boston, averaging between 29.4 and 30.5 points per game. He has scored at least 30 points in every single game during the month of December. Derrick White provides steady support as a secondary scorer and playmaker, while Payton Pritchard adds crucial perimeter shooting.
For Portland, everything revolves around Deni Avdija, who is posting between 25.6 and 27.0 points per game along with significant contributions in rebounds and assists. Shaedon Sharpe is the other key scoring option, and Donovan Clingan anchors the rebounding effort.
The statistical matchup heavily favors Boston. They possess the league's second-ranked defense, allowing only 110.4 points per game. Portland's offense, ranked 25th, will have a tough task. Furthermore, Boston shoots 36.7% from three-point range compared to Portland's 33.3%, and the Celtics have won the last six meetings between these teams.
For viewers, the game will be broadcast on NBC Sports Boston for local Celtics fans and on KUNP or KATU in the Portland area. Streaming options include Fubo (which offers a free trial) and NBA League Pass. Radio broadcasts will be available locally.
Sportsbooks have installed the Boston Celtics as 6.5-point road favorites, with the total points line set between 229 and 229.5. Avdija's player prop for over 25.5 points is drawing significant attention. However, given Boston's superior depth, defensive consistency, and Portland's extensive injury list, the Celtics are poised to extend their winning streak. A final score in the region of 118-110 in favor of Boston seems a likely outcome for this December 28th NBA fixture.
