The stage is set for another epic chapter in the NBA's greatest rivalry, but the script has been dramatically rewritten. When the Los Angeles Lakers visit the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on December 5, 2025, the spotlight won't be on superstar showdowns. Instead, the marquee matchup will be a tense battle of attrition, shaped heavily by a lengthy injury report on both sides.
Lakers' Lineup Decimated by Key Absences
The Los Angeles Lakers arrive in Boston carrying significant injury concerns that threaten to derail their campaign. The biggest blow is the confirmed absence of their offensive engine, Luka Doncic. The superstar will miss his second straight game as he remains in Slovenia for the birth of his second child. His production, averaging a colossal 35.3 points per game, leaves a void almost impossible to fill.
Further compounding their woes, veteran guard Marcus Smart is sidelined with persistent back trouble, listed as either out or a game-time decision. The most concerning uncertainty, however, surrounds the legendary LeBron James. The 40-year-old icon is listed as doubtful, still battling sciatica that has already forced him to miss 14 games. His recent struggles to consistently reach double-digit scoring—a rarity since the 2006-07 season—highlight the impact of his physical challenges.
In this crisis, coach JJ Redick's strategic acumen will be tested. He has, however, shown proficiency in managing back-to-back scenarios, holding an 11–7 record against the spread (ATS) and a 6-4 mark on the road in such games.
Celtics Also Missing Their Franchise Pillar
The Boston Celtics' camp is not immune to the injury bug. They will be without their franchise cornerstone, Jayson Tatum, for the long term as he recovers from Achilles surgery with no clear return date this season. While Jaylen Brown returns from a brief illness, his day-to-day status adds another layer of unpredictability for the league's fifth-leading scorer (29 points per game).
This scenario thrusts other players into crucial roles. Derrick White, expected to be fully available, must provide stability with his averages of 17 points and 5.3 assists. The Celtics will rely heavily on their depth, with players like Payton Pritchard (17.3 points) and Neemias Queta (10.1 points, 8.2 rebounds) poised for expanded minutes. Boston also holds the historical edge, leading the all-time regular-season series 167–135 since 1948.
Game Dynamics and Betting Outlook
With both teams' rosters thinned, the dynamics of the game shift fundamentally. It transforms from a star-powered spectacle into a gritty test of adaptability, coaching adjustments, and second-unit resilience. For the Lakers, Austin Reaves has embraced a larger role, averaging nearly 29 points in Doncic's absence, while Deandre Ayton provides interior stability with 15.8 points and 8.6 rebounds.
The betting markets reflect the uncertainty. The Boston Celtics have opened as 6.5-7.5 point favourites, with the total points line set at 225.5. Interestingly, the Lakers' games without Luka Doncic have trended heavily towards high scores, with the 'over' hitting in 5 consecutive outings. Final injury reports for players like James and Brown, expected close to tip-off, could drastically swing the momentum.
Ultimately, fans may witness a unique, role-player-driven slugfest—a scrappy twist on a rivalry built by legends. The battle between Reaves and White could define the night. The action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime.
