The highly anticipated NBA regular-season matchup between the Boston Celtics and the Utah Jazz on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, has been dramatically altered due to a significant injury list on both sides. The game, set to tip off at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, will now test the depth and resilience of both franchises rather than showcase their star power.
Injury Reports Reshape The Contest
The Boston Celtics arrive in Utah grappling with the continued absence of their cornerstone, Jayson Tatum, who is recovering from right Achilles surgery. The team's bench options are further limited with Chris Boucher (illness), Ron Harper Jr., Max Shulga, and Amari Williams all unavailable. This places a monumental offensive burden on Jaylen Brown, who has been stellar, averaging between 29 and 33.5 points per game recently. Derrick White remains a crucial secondary option, consistently providing 16 to 18 points and around five assists.
The Utah Jazz's situation is equally challenging, particularly in the frontcourt. Walker Kessler (shoulder), Georges Niang (foot), and Kevin Love (rest) are all sidelined. The backcourt faces uncertainty with rookie sensation Ace Bailey (left hip flexor strain) listed as out or questionable, and the red-hot Keyonte George (illness) also questionable despite his recent averages nearing 30 points, six rebounds, and seven assists. Kyle Anderson is questionable for personal reasons.
Game Dynamics and Key Players to Watch
With both teams missing multiple rotation players, the game's strategy shifts fundamentally. The Celtics, coming off a 114-108 loss in Portland, will rely heavily on structure, half-court execution, and their road consistency to stabilize a challenging trip. Jaylen Brown's ability to create and score will be paramount.
For the Utah Jazz, who have quietly assembled a two-game winning streak against San Antonio and Detroit, the plan will involve leveraging home-court advantage and pace. Lauri Markkanen, averaging a robust 28 to 29.5 points per game, becomes the undisputed focal point of the offense. The contributions of Jusuf Nurkic on the glass and extended minutes for rookie Isaiah Collier could prove decisive in keeping the Jazz competitive.
How to Watch and Matchup Outlook
The Boston Celtics (19-12) versus Utah Jazz (12-19) game is scheduled for a 9:00 PM ET start on December 30, 2025. Broadcast coverage includes NBC Sports Boston and KJZZ-TV/Jazz+, with radio on 98.5 The Sports Hub (Boston) and 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone (Utah). Streaming is available via Fubo, NBA League Pass, and Jazz platforms.
Despite their injury woes, Boston enters as an 8.5-point favorite, with the total points over/under set at 242.5. While Utah's increased pace and home floor present a real threat to a shortened Celtics rotation, Boston's overall pedigree and Jaylen Brown's form give them a slight edge to navigate this injury-defined contest.
