Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers: A Pivotal NBA Matchup on February 22
The Boston Celtics are set to clash with the Los Angeles Lakers on February 22 at Crypto.com Arena, with tip-off scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET. This highly anticipated game holds significant weight for both franchises, as they are positioned near the top of their respective conferences. The outcome will directly impact playoff positioning, adding an extra layer of intensity to this classic rivalry.
Injury Reports and Player Availability
Boston Celtics Injury Update: The Celtics, with a record of 36-19, will be without star forward Jayson Tatum, who is sidelined due to a right Achilles injury following surgery. He is not part of the active roster for this contest. Additionally, Max Shulga is unavailable because of a G-League assignment.
However, the team remains formidable with key players ready to step up. Jaylen Brown is available and leads the Celtics in scoring, while Derrick White is active to handle defensive assignments and playmaking duties. Amari Williams is also available and is expected to provide backup minutes behind center Nikola Vucevic. Other rotation players, including Sam Hauser, Payton Pritchard, Jordan Walsh, Neemias Queta, and Vucevic, are all anticipated to play.
Los Angeles Lakers Injury Update: The Lakers, boasting a record of 33-21, enter the game with their main rotation largely intact and free from significant injuries. Bronny James and Adou Thiero are out due to G-League assignments, but this does not affect the core lineup.
LeBron James is available and continues to orchestrate the offense, averaging approximately 20.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game. Luka Dončić leads the team in scoring with around 23.7 points per game and contributes 6.3 assists. Austin Reaves remains a vital scoring option, and Deandre Ayton anchors the paint. Supporting players such as Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Maxi Kleber, Jaxson Hayes, Dalton Knecht, and Nick Smith Jr. are all expected to be available.
Season Series and Team Statistics
This marks the second meeting between the teams this season. Boston secured a victory in the first game on December 5, 2025, with a score of 126-105. In that matchup, Jaylen Brown scored 30 points for the Celtics, while Austin Reaves led the Lakers with 36 points. Currently, Boston leads the season series 1-0.
Offensive Comparison: The Lakers average 117.7 points per game with a field goal percentage of 49.9%, slightly outperforming the Celtics, who average 116.0 points and shoot 47.0% from the field. Boston holds a marginal edge in three-point shooting at 36.2% compared to the Lakers' 34.6%, while both teams are nearly identical in free throw percentage and assists per game.
Defensive and Rebounding Analysis: Boston demonstrates superiority in rebounding, averaging 44.1 rebounds per game versus the Lakers' 41.8. The Celtics also excel in blocks with 5.38 per game, compared to the Lakers' 4.04. However, the Lakers commit more turnovers, averaging around 13.0 per game, while Boston averages approximately 11.6. Steals per game are closely matched, with Boston at 8.17 and the Lakers at 8.04.
Key Matchups and Game Implications
Several critical duels will shape the outcome of this contest. Jaylen Brown will shoulder the scoring burden for Boston, likely facing defensive pressure from Lakers players like Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart. On the other side, Luka Dončić will be the primary offensive engine for the Lakers, with Boston relying on defenders such as Derrick White and Payton Pritchard to contain his playmaking.
In the paint, the battle between Deandre Ayton and Nikola Vucevic, along with Neemias Queta, will be pivotal for controlling rebounds and interior scoring.
What This Game Means: A win would allow Boston to solidify its standing in the Eastern Conference, even in the absence of Tatum. For the Lakers, defending their home court and proving they can defeat a top-tier Eastern team is crucial. With both squads fielding strong lineups, this game promises to be a closely contested affair, highlighting the strategic depth and talent of these NBA powerhouses.
