The new year in the NBA tips off with a clash shaped more by who is absent than who is present. The Boston Celtics, riding a wave of steady form, travel to face the struggling Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center on Thursday, January 1, 2026. Both franchises enter this contest severely hampered by injuries to key rotation players, setting the stage for a battle of depth and adjustment.
Injury Crisis Defines The Contest
The pre-game narrative is dominated by the lengthy injury reports for both sides. The Celtics, sitting a strong third in the Eastern Conference with a 20-12 record, continue to excel despite the absence of their best player, Jayson Tatum. Tatum is out following a right Achilles repair. Forward Chris Boucher is also listed as questionable due to illness and personal reasons.
For the Sacramento Kings, the situation is even more dire, reflected in their 8-25 record which places them 14th in the competitive Western Conference. They will be without their cornerstone, Domantas Sabonis, who is sidelined with a left knee partial meniscus tear and is not expected back until late January. The woes continue with Zach LaVine (left ankle sprain) and Drew Eubanks (left thumb injury) both ruled out for an extended period.
Team Form and Statistical Mismatch
The contrast in recent momentum is stark. Boston arrives having won five of its last six games, showcasing impressive resilience. Their defense has been a cornerstone, allowing just 110.8 points per game. Even without Tatum, the team boasts a healthy +5.3 net rating per 100 possessions.
Sacramento, conversely, returns home licking deep wounds from a disastrous road trip. They suffered two heavy losses to Los Angeles teams, including a demoralising 41-point defeat. Their defensive struggles are pronounced, conceding a league-high 122.3 points per game. The Kings' offense, averaging 111.0 PPG, will face a stern test against Boston's disciplined unit.
Key Players and Broadcast Information
With stars sidelined, others must step up. For Boston, Jaylen Brown has shouldered the offensive load, averaging an impressive 30.0 points per game alongside strong all-around contributions. Derrick White remains pivotal with his defensive intensity and playmaking.
The Kings will rely heavily on Keegan Murray's two-way abilities, including his shot-blocking, and the veteran experience and passing of Russell Westbrook to keep the game competitive on their home floor.
The game is scheduled for a 10:00 PM ET tip-off (8:30 AM IST on January 2). For fans in India, the action can be caught on NBA League Pass. Local broadcasts are on NBC Sports Boston and NBC Sports California. Radio listeners can tune into 98.5 The Sports Hub (Boston) or Sactown Sports 1140 (Sacramento).
Odds and Final Outlook
Sportsbooks have installed the Celtics as substantial 9.5-point favourites. The total points line is set between 227.5 and 229.5. Boston's superior depth, defensive structure, and current form point towards a controlled road victory. A projected scoreline around 118-106 in favour of the Celtics seems plausible. While Sacramento's return home and desperate need to stop the slide may provide an early spark, Boston's overall strength and system give them a clear edge to start 2026 with a win.
