11 Milestones to Watch for in 2026 NBA Playoffs The 2026 NBA Playoffs are set to begin, with several key statistical milestones within reach for players and teams. Among the most anticipated are individual achievements for Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and James Harden, as well as team records for the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Denver Nuggets. The playoffs will also see the potential for historic moments in three-point shooting, free-throw accuracy, and defensive dominance. Kevin Durant, who recently passed Michael Jordan for fifth on the all-time scoring list, is poised to make further strides in the playoffs. He needs 188 points to surpass Tim Duncan for sixth place in career playoff scoring and 266 points to reclaim fifth spot, which currently belongs to Shaquille O’Neal. Durant’s regular-season performance, which included 319 points in postseasons where his team played at least 10 games, suggests he could reach these targets if the Houston Rockets have a long playoff run. In terms of field goals, Durant is 60 away from passing Karl Malone for seventh place on the all-time list, while he needs 19 more free throws to move past Malone for fourth in that category. LeBron James, meanwhile, is targeting a milestone in three-point shooting. With 480 career playoff 3-pointers, he needs just 32 to surpass Klay Thompson for second place. James last recorded 32 or more 3-pointers in the 2020 playoffs, when he led the Lakers to an NBA title, and a deep run with the Los Angeles Lakers could position him to achieve this goal. James Harden, despite a decline in scoring efficiency compared to his Houston days, remains a threat to move up the all-time playoff scoring list.#boston_celtics #lebron_james #james_harden #kevin_durant #nba_playoffs
NBA Injury Updates: Curry, Brown, Green, and Others Miss Key Games The Golden State Warriors have ruled out star guard Stephen Curry for Thursday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater. Curry, who returned earlier this week from a knee injury after sitting out for over two months, will be held out of the game as the team takes a cautious approach with its leading scorer and most valuable player. The decision means Curry will miss the matchup against the Lakers, though he is expected to return for Friday’s game against the Sacramento Kings. This absence also ensures that Curry and Lakers star LeBron James will not face each other during the 2025 season. James missed their first meeting in the fall due to sciatica, and Curry missed the subsequent two games as a result of his knee injury. Additional injury updates from across the NBA include the Boston Celtics, who are still in the race for the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. However, they will not be at full strength for their Thursday game against the New York Knicks. Star wing Jaylen Brown is sidelined with a left Achilles tendinitis injury, as confirmed by the team. The Celtics will face a back-to-back set, but it remains unclear whether Brown will be available for Friday’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Jalen Green, the former No. 2 overall pick for the Houston Rockets, suffered a right leg injury early in the first quarter of Wednesday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks. Green did not return to the game, according to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. The injury occurred during a critical moment in the matchup, and Green wore a sleeve at halftime before being ruled out. Fellow Suns guard Jordan Goodwin also exited Wednesday’s game due to a left ankle injury sustained in the second quarter.#boston_celtics #lebron_james #los_angeles_lakers #golden_state_warriors #stephen_curry
Celtics at Knicks preview: Can Boston lock up the No. 2 seed? The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks are set to clash in a high-stakes matchup at Madison Square Garden as the regular season approaches its final stretch. The game, scheduled for Thursday at 7:30 p.m. (Amazon Prime), carries significant implications for playoff positioning, with the Celtics needing just one more win or a Knicks loss to secure the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks, meanwhile, remain in contention for the second spot but are also locked in a tight race with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the third and fourth seeds. This matchup holds added significance for Boston’s star player, Jayson Tatum, who will make his return to Madison Square Garden after a traumatic playoff encounter last season. In a road game against the Knicks, Tatum suffered an Achilles tendon rupture, an injury that sidelined him for nearly six months. The Celtics’ forward, now back in action, has been a key contributor to Boston’s success this season, averaging 21.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in 15 games since his return. Boston has maintained a strong record in those contests, posting a 13-2 mark. Tatum’s return to the Garden has not been without emotional weight. When asked about the significance of the game, he admitted, “Yeah, I’ve thought about it. I’m not thrilled to go back and play there. Last time I played there, obviously, it was a traumatic experience for me.” Despite the lingering discomfort, Tatum has chosen to face the Knicks head-on, stating, “Obviously, I knew at some point I would have to get over that hurdle and play there again. I decided to come back and play, so I’m not necessarily skipping certain games.#boston_celtics #jayson_tatum #madison_square_garden #new_york_knicks #jalen_brunson
Knicks vs. Celtics Prediction, Odds, Spread, and Game Time for April 9, 2026 The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks will face off on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in a highly anticipated matchup at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The game, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, pits the Eastern Conference’s No. 2 seed, the Celtics, against the No. 3 seed, the Knicks, in a battle for playoff positioning. The Celtics, with a 54-25 record, have won four consecutive games, including a 113-102 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday. The Knicks, at 51-28, have also been on a three-game winning streak, most recently defeating the Atlanta Hawks 108-105 on Monday. A Celtics win would secure the No. 2 seed in the East, assuming the Detroit Pistons retain their top spot. The Knicks hold a slight edge in the latest betting lines, with New York listed as a 5.5-point favorite at DraftKings. The over/under for total points scored is set at 212.5, while the money line favors the Knicks at -216, with the Celtics at +178. The Celtics’ roster includes several key players, but Boston is missing Jaylen Brown, who is sidelined with an Achilles injury. Derrick White and Neemias Queta are expected to play, though Queta is dealing with a toe injury. The Knicks, meanwhile, are healthy and have shown strong performance at home, averaging 134.5 points over their last four games at Madison Square Garden. SportsLine’s Projection Model, which has a track record of success in NBA betting, has simulated the Knicks vs. Celtics matchup 10,000 times. The model predicts the Knicks will win the game, with a projected scoreline of 112-105. The model also suggests the total points scored will exceed the 212.5 over/under, as the teams are expected to combine for 223 points.#boston_celtics #jayson_tatum #madison_square_garden #new_york_knicks #jalen_brunson
NBA Games Today: Schedule, Odds, and How to Watch for March 27 The National Basketball Association (NBA) is set to play a full slate of games on March 27, 2026, with matches scheduled across multiple time zones. All game times are listed in Eastern Time, with details on broadcast networks and streaming platforms provided for each matchup. The schedule includes a mix of intraconference and interconference contests, offering fans a variety of matchups to follow. The first game of the night features the Los Angeles Clippers facing the Indiana Pacers at 7:00 p.m. ET, broadcast on FanDuel Sports Indiana and FanDuel Sports SoCal. The Atlanta Hawks take on the Boston Celtics at 7:30 p.m. ET, with coverage on NBC Sports Boston and FanDuel Sports Southeast. The Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers meet at 7:30 p.m. ET, airing on FanDuel Sports Sun, FanDuel Sports Ohio, and NBA TV. Later in the evening, the Houston Rockets host the Memphis Grizzlies at 8:00 p.m. ET via Space City Home Network and FanDuel Sports Memphis. The Chicago Bulls and Oklahoma City Thunder clash at 8:00 p.m. ET on Chicago Sports Network Plus and FanDuel Sports Oklahoma. The New Orleans Pelicans and Toronto Raptors game is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET, with Gulf Coast Sports and Rogers Sportsnet Toronto as the broadcast options. The Utah Jazz and Denver Nuggets matchup begins at 9:00 p.m. ET on Altitude Sports and KJZZ 14. The Washington Wizards face the Golden State Warriors at 10:00 p.m. ET, available on Monumental Sports Network and NBC Sports Bay Area. The Dallas Mavericks and Portland Trail Blazers game is set for 10:00 p.m. ET, broadcast on KUNP - Rip City TV Network, KFAA 29, WFAA 8, and NBA TV. The night concludes with the Brooklyn Nets versus Los Angeles Lakers matchup at 10:30 p.m. ET, streamed on Spectrum SportsNet and YES Network.#boston_celtics #nba #indiana_pacers #los_angeles_clippers #atlanta_hawks
NBA Power Rankings: Wolves are the sleeper to watch (again) as championship hierarchy comes into view The NBA season has reached a critical juncture, with the playoff picture shaping up and the championship hierarchy becoming more defined. While the bottom half of the league remains chaotic, several teams are emerging as key contenders. The Thunder, Spurs, Celtics, and Nuggets lead the charge, but the Timberwolves, despite recent injuries, remain a dark horse. Here’s a breakdown of the current standings and the teams poised to make noise in the postseason. The Oklahoma City Thunder sit at the top of the Western Conference, having won 12 of their last 16 games. Their recent surge has been fueled by the return of Jalen Williams, who joined a healthy roster after a six-week absence. The Thunder’s magic number to secure the No. 1 seed in the West is eight wins, though they face stiff competition from the San Antonio Spurs, who have dominated the league with a 23-25 record. The Spurs’ ability to beat the Thunder four times this season has solidified their claim as a top-tier contender, though their path to the Finals remains uncertain. The Boston Celtics, despite struggles from Jayson Tatum, remain a formidable force. Tatum’s inconsistent shooting has raised concerns, but the team’s depth and experience have kept them in the race for the No. 2 seed. The Celtics’ upcoming matchup against the Thunder will be a key test of their resilience. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets, with Peyton Watson back and a revamped starting lineup, have positioned themselves as a strong playoff threat. Their ability to adapt to small-ball strategies has kept them competitive, though they trail the Timberwolves in the race for the No. 4 seed.#boston_celtics #nba #denver_nuggets #san_antonio_spurs #oklahoma_city_thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Boston Celtics injury report: Who's playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (March 25, 2026) The Oklahoma City Thunder and Boston Celtics are set to face off on March 25, 2026, at TD Garden. This matchup pits one of the top teams in the Western Conference against a strong Eastern squad. Oklahoma City enters the game with a 57-15 record, while Boston maintains its position in the standings through a strong home performance. The game carries significant weight as both teams aim to secure playoff seeding in the final stretch of the regular season. While Boston holds the slight edge in the all-time series, Oklahoma City has dominated recent encounters, including a 104-102 victory on March 12. Both teams are largely healthy for the matchup. The Thunder’s injury report includes only Thomas Sorber, who is out for the season due to a right knee ACL tear. The rest of the roster, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Cason Wallace, is expected to be available. Boston’s Nikola Vucevic is sidelined with a right ring finger fracture, but the rest of the roster, including Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, is set to play. Oklahoma City’s starting lineup features Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace, Luguentz Dort, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein. The bench includes Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, Ajay Mitchell, Alex Caruso, and Jaylin Williams, offering depth across positions. Boston’s starting five consists of Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Kristaps Porzingis, with Payton Pritchard, Neemias Queta, Sam Hauser, Baylor Scheierman, and Al Horford providing bench support. The Thunder’s recent performance highlights their balanced scoring and defensive capabilities.#boston_celtics #oklahoma_city_thunder #shai_gilgeousalexander #chet_holmgren #td_garden
Celtics Edge Thunder in High-Stakes NBA Clash The Boston Celtics overcame a sluggish start to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-109 on Wednesday, ending the defending champions’ 12-game winning streak. Jaylen Brown’s standout performance, particularly in the third quarter, proved pivotal as the Celtics rallied to secure the victory. Brown finished with 31 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, while Jayson Tatum rebounded from two subpar outings to contribute 19 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. The Celtics’ ability to outscore the Thunder 19-2 in second-chance opportunities and limit their three-point shooting to 12 of 37 was critical to the outcome. The game saw the Thunder take an early 11-point lead in the second quarter, but the Celtics responded with a 29-15 run to take their first lead of the night. Boston extended their advantage to 88-83 heading into the fourth quarter, and despite Oklahoma City closing the gap to 115-109 with 1:30 remaining, the Celtics held strong. A layup by Brown and two free throws from Derrick White sealed the win. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 33 points and eight assists, but his team struggled to capitalize on offensive rebounds, allowing Boston to dominate the boards. Lu Dort added 14 points, and Jalen Williams, returning from a 16-game absence due to a hamstring injury, contributed seven points. The Thunder’s performance was hampered by their inability to convert three-point shots, which accounted for just 32.4% of their attempts. The matchup carried added significance as both teams entered the game with playoff aspirations. The Thunder, ranked first in the West with the league’s best record, faced the Celtics, who held the East’s second-best mark.#boston_celtics #jayson_tatum #jaylen_brown #oklahoma_city_thunder #shai_gilgeous_alexander
Power Rankings, Week 23: Pistons, Knicks and Celtics jostle in Top 5 The top 10 rankings show minor shifts as teams prepare for the postseason push, with several squads aiming to secure home-court advantage or a guaranteed playoff spot. The final weeks of the 2025-26 season are shaping up as a critical period for teams vying for the best records, while others focus on recovering from injuries. Key players like Oklahoma City Thunder’s Jalen Williams are expected to return soon, with the Thunder set to welcome him back for a game against the Sixers. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets have fully recovered their roster after Peyton Watson’s return, though several star players remain sidelined, including Jarrett Allen, Dillon Brooks, and Stephen Curry. The week’s standout performers include Brandon Miller of the Charlotte Hornets, who posted a plus-72 rating across three games, while Bub Carrington of the Washington Wizards struggled with a minus-93 mark in five contests. The Los Angeles Lakers, now 4-0, are positioned to dominate the league, while Orlando’s struggles continue as they remain winless at 0-4. Interconference games have seen the Western Conference outperform the Eastern Conference, with a 203-190 record in such matchups. Schedule strength remains a factor, with Brooklyn, Sacramento, and Golden State facing the toughest opponents, while Detroit, Boston, and New York have the easiest paths. Charlotte and Atlanta made notable jumps in the rankings, while Orlando fell sharply. The Cleveland Cavaliers, despite three consecutive wins, face tougher challenges in their upcoming matchups against the Magic and Heat. The Oklahoma City Thunder, with an 11-game winning streak, hold the league’s best record at 14-1 since the All-Star break.#boston_celtics #new_york_knicks #san_antonio_spurs #oklahoma_city_thunder #detroit_pistons
NBA Power Rankings: The Thunder Reign While East Teams Rise The Oklahoma City Thunder lead the Western Conference as the regular season approaches its final stretch, with the Eastern Conference seeing a surge from several teams vying for playoff positioning. ESPN’s latest rankings highlight the Thunder’s dominance, while the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics remain strong contenders in the East. With 10 teams already securing postseason berths, the race for top seeds and playoff spots intensifies in the final weeks of the season. The Thunder, ranked first, continue their pursuit of a repeat championship, bolstered by a 57-15 record and a strong defensive presence. Jalen Williams, returning from injury, showed flashes of his potential with 18 points and six assists in a recent game, though his full recovery remains critical for their postseason success. The team’s 12-game winning streak and consistent performance suggest they are well-positioned to secure home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. In the East, the Detroit Pistons have reclaimed the top spot after a strong resurgence. Despite a setback with Cade Cunningham’s injury, the team refocused on its defensive identity, leading to a four-game winning streak and a top-2 defense. Daniss Jenkins’ return to form, averaging 26 points on 60% shooting, has been a key factor in their climb. The Pistons, with a 52-19 record, now look to maintain their momentum as they face tougher challenges in the final weeks. The Boston Celtics, ranked third, remain a formidable force despite some inconsistencies in their recent performance. Jayson Tatum’s high usage rate has stayed consistent, reflecting his role as a key offensive driver.#boston_celtics #los_angeles_lakers #san_antonio_spurs #oklahoma_city_thunder #detroit_pistons
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Houston Rockets: A Season-Defining Game The Minnesota Timberwolves’ 102-92 victory over the Boston Celtics on March 25, 2026, marked a pivotal moment in their season. The win, their first in Boston since 2005, was a rollercoaster performance that highlighted both the team’s resilience and the unpredictability of their season. After a slow start that left them trailing by 15 points in the second quarter, the Wolves staged a dramatic comeback, fueled by a buzzer-beater from Bones Hyland to take the lead into halftime. The game’s second half saw Minnesota outplay Boston on their home floor, grinding out a win that defied expectations. The victory was particularly significant as it followed the Wolves’ earlier triumph over the Toronto Raptors, making it the second time in a month they had defeated a team with a long-standing rivalry. The win also extended their streak of beating teams with deep playoff histories, a trend that has become a hallmark of their season. However, the Wolves’ ability to rise to the occasion has been tempered by their struggles against key competitors in the Western Conference. Against teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Houston Rockets, Minnesota has posted a 2-9 record, raising questions about their consistency in high-stakes games. The game against the Rockets, set for March 25, 2026, carries even greater weight. The Wolves and Rockets are tied in the standings, and a win would give Minnesota a chance to secure a top-four seed in the Western Conference. The matchup is critical because it represents one of the few opportunities for the Wolves to flip the tiebreaker in their favor.#boston_celtics #los_angeles_lakers #denver_nuggets #minnesota_timberwolves #houston_rockets
Thunder-Celtics Showdown: Three Key Storylines to Watch The Boston Celtics (47-24, 2nd in Eastern Conference) host the Oklahoma City Thunder (57-15, 1st in Western Conference) in a pivotal matchup as the regular season nears its end. The game marks the final regular-season meeting between the last two NBA champions, with the Thunder seeking to extend their 12-game winning streak and the Celtics aiming to end that streak and secure a playoff berth. The Thunder, led by their dominant 123-103 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, enter as the hottest team in the league, while the Celtics look to rebound from a 102-92 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The stakes are high for both teams. The Celtics are in a tight race for the No. 2 seed in the East, battling the New York Knicks for the second playoff spot, while the Thunder hold a three-game lead over the San Antonio Spurs for the Western Conference top spot. The game is expected to have a playoff-like atmosphere at TD Garden, where the Celtics have a strong home record of 24-11 this season. The Thunder, however, have thrived on the road with an NBA-best 28-8 road record, suggesting they may not be intimidated by the raucous environment. Jaylen Brown remains the Celtics’ primary offensive threat, especially with Jayson Tatum back in the lineup. Brown has been a career year performer, averaging 28.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.0 steals. Since Tatum’s return, Brown has averaged 26.3 points per game while taking 18.8 field goal attempts. Tatum, still adjusting to his return, is averaging 19.1 points on 17.4 field goal attempts, but Brown has consistently carried the scoring load. His ability to thrive alongside Tatum will be critical for the Celtics’ success.#boston_celtics #new_york_knicks #san_antonio_spurs #oklahoma_city_thunder #jalen_williams
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Boston Celtics: A Playoff Preview in the Regular Season The Oklahoma City Thunder, currently leading the Western Conference with a 56-15 record, will face the Boston Celtics, who sit second in the East with a 47-24 record, in a pivotal matchup on March 25, 2026. This game, Game #72 of the season, marks the final regular-season meeting between the two teams, with the Celtics seeking to avenge their earlier 104-102 loss in Oklahoma City on March 12. The series last season ended in a 0-2 sweep for the Celtics, with each team winning at home. Overall, the Celtics hold a 79-69 advantage in the all-time series, including a 40-29 record in Boston. The Celtics, ranked second in the East, trail first-place Detroit by five games but lead third-place New York by three, fourth-place Cleveland by three, fifth-place Toronto by seven, sixth-place Atlanta by 7.5, and seventh-place Philadelphia by 8.5. They have a strong record against Western Conference opponents (18-10) and are 24-11 at home, though they lost their previous game. The Thunder, meanwhile, dominate the West, leading San Antonio by three games, Denver and Minnesota by 11, and Houston and Phoenix by 13.5 and 17 games, respectively. They are 20-6 against Eastern teams, 28-8 on the road, and have won their last 12 games. The Celtics’ schedule after this game includes a three-game home stand against Atlanta, followed by a four-game road trip through Charlotte, Atlanta, Miami, and Milwaukee. They will then host Toronto and Charlotte before closing the season with two games against New Orleans and Orlando. The Thunder, after this road game, will host Chicago, New York, Detroit, Los Angeles, and Utah in a five-game home stand, followed by a three-game road trip to Los Angeles and Denver.#boston_celtics #oklahoma_city_thunder #jalen_williams #john_tonje #nikola_vucevic
Phil Jackson Lost His Cool During 2008 NBA Finals Outburst Phil Jackson, known for his composed demeanor on the basketball court, reportedly lost his temper during the 2008 NBA Finals, according to legendary trainer Gary Vitti. The incident occurred during a tense series between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, where the Lakers, led by Pau Gasol, mounted a strong push for the championship. Despite the Celtics’ star-studded roster of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen, the Lakers were considered underdogs, adding to the intensity of the matchup. Vitti recounted how Jackson’s frustration peaked when Hollywood celebrities, including Mark Wahlberg, Donnie Wahlberg, Matt Damon, and Chris Rock, occupied courtside seats during the games. These individuals, who were not Lakers fans, were seated near the players, which irritated Jackson. The tension escalated as the Celtics took control of the series, with the celebrities cheering for the home team. According to Vitti, Jackson confronted the group, shouting at them and ordering Damon to sit down. “Who shows up in those four seats? Mark Wahlberg, Donnie Wahlberg, Matt Damon. Where are those guys from? Boston—they were all dressed in green… and then Chris Rock, who’s like a Knicks fan. He’s with these three. And Phil is pissed, and he’s yelling at me like I had something to do with it,” Vitti described. The moment left the celebrities stunned, as they did not expect an NBA coach to react so strongly. Vitti admitted the scene was so unexpected that he covered his face while recounting it to his peers, finding it oddly humorous. Damon’s reaction, likened to a nervous student being reprimanded by a stern teacher, stuck with Vitti as a memorable image.#boston_celtics #los_angeles_lakers #phil_jackson #gary_vitti #pau_gasol
Minnesota Timberwolves vs Boston Celtics injury report: Who's playing, injured and questionable players, head-to-head records, team stats, and more (March 22, 2026) The Minnesota Timberwolves will face the Boston Celtics on Sunday, March 22, 2026, in a matchup critical for both teams’ playoff hopes. Boston enters with a 47-23 record, second in the Eastern Conference, while Minnesota holds a 43-27 mark, fourth in the Western Conference. Both teams remain in contention for postseason berths, with Boston excelling at home and maintaining a strong net rating, while Minnesota relies on its defensive presence and size to stay competitive in the West. The injury report for the Timberwolves lists two players as unavailable for the game. Leading scorer Anthony Edwards is out due to right knee inflammation, which will require a re-evaluation in 1–2 weeks. Naz Reid is questionable with an ankle injury, and his status will be determined closer to game time. The rest of Minnesota’s starting rotation, including Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle, Jaden McDaniels, Donte DiVincenzo, Mike Conley, and Bones Hyland, is expected to play. Boston’s injury report features two players sidelined. Nikola Vucevic is ruled out with a finger injury, while Jaylen Brown is listed as probable with quadricep soreness. Brown may play but could face minutes restrictions. The Celtics’ core, including Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, Neemias Queta, and Luka Garza, is largely available, ensuring a deep and balanced rotation. Minnesota’s roster is built around Edwards, Gobert, and Randle, with support from McDaniels, DiVincenzo, and a guard group featuring Conley and Hyland. The team’s identity revolves around defense, rebounding, and interior protection, with Gobert anchoring the paint.#boston_celtics #jaylen_brown #minnesota_timberwolves #nikola_vucevic #anthony_edwards
Timberwolves End 18-Game Losing Streak in Boston with 102-92 Win Over Celtics The Minnesota Timberwolves ended an 18-game losing streak in Boston with a 102-92 victory over the Boston Celtics on March 23, 2026. Bones Hyland led the way with 23 points, while Jaden McDaniels added 19 to secure the win. Ayo Dosunmu contributed 17 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, and Rudy Gobert recorded 14 rebounds and nine points. The win marked the Timberwolves’ first victory in Boston since 2005, a fact that left Hyland stunned. Hyland expressed disbelief when told about the 2005 game, joking, “Dang, that don’t even sound right. I was 5-years-old. That’s crazy.” For the Celtics, Jaylen Brown led the way with 29 points, while Jayson Tatum overcame a slow start to score 16 points and grab 11 rebounds. Derrick White added 15 points, but the loss ended Boston’s four-game winning streak and left them tied with the New York Knicks for second place in the Eastern Conference. The Timberwolves’ victory was fueled by a decisive 16-0 run midway through the fourth quarter. Naz Reid, returning from a two-game absence due to a sprained right ankle, played a pivotal role in the surge, scoring eight consecutive points during the stretch. Reid’s efforts culminated in a three-point play and a 3-pointer, helping Minnesota take control of the game. The Celtics, however, trailed 81-80 before Hyland’s 3-pointer from the right wing gave the Timberwolves a 92-81 lead with 9:05 remaining. The game was marked by early struggles from both teams, as the Celtics missed eight of their first nine three-point attempts, and the Timberwolves shot just 1 for 7 from beyond the arc. Boston’s struggles were evident in the first half, as they squandered a 15-point lead and trailed 47-44 at halftime.#boston_celtics #minnesota_timberwolves #bones_hyland #jaden_mcdaniels #ayo_dosunmu
Celtics, Grizzlies injury reports show one team will be extremely depleted The Boston Celtics will enter Friday’s matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies with a full roster, barring the absence of center Nikola Vucevic, who is set to miss his seventh consecutive game. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies face significant challenges due to a wave of injuries, leaving them severely understaffed. Vucevic, who fractured his right ring finger on March 6, is expected to return to the court between March 27 and April 3. The Celtics initially projected his recovery to take three to four weeks, and with the regular season concluding on April 12, there is potential for him to rejoin the team in time for the postseason. Tatum, meanwhile, has remained available for the past two weeks, having missed just one game since his return to the lineup. The forward has averaged 20.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game, serving as the Celtics’ second-leading scorer. The Grizzlies, however, have struggled with injuries throughout the season, with multiple key players sidelined. Among the affected roster members are Kentavius Caldwell-Pope (right pinky finger), Zach Edey (left ankle), Scotty Pippen Jr. (right big toe), and Santi Aldama (right knee). Additionally, Brandon Clarke (right calf strain), Jahmai (left ankle sprain), and Ja Morant (left elbow UCL sprain) are all out. Taj Gibson (right foot soreness) and GG Jackson (left knee soreness) are listed as doubtful for Friday’s game. The Celtics’ current form contrasts sharply with the Grizzlies’ struggles. Boston enters the matchup on a three-game winning streak with a 46-23 record, while Memphis has lost eight of its last 10 games and holds the West’s 11th-best record at 24-44. The teams last met in November, with Boston securing a 131-95 victory.#boston_celtics #jaylen_brown #memphis_grizzlies #nikola_vucevic #cedric_coward
The Boston Celtics secured a strong homestand this week, going 3-0 at TD Garden after two consecutive road losses. The team dominated the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, defeating them 131-95 in a game that highlighted their offensive prowess. Jaylen Brown led the way with 32 points, while the Celtics’ balanced attack kept Golden State’s star players, including Kristaps Porzingis, in check. The victory marked the Celtics’ first sweep of all four California teams (Lakers, Clippers, Warriors, and Kings) in franchise history. The Celtics now head to Memphis for a crucial road matchup against the Grizzlies on Friday. This game will be the second meeting between the teams this season, with Boston delivering a 36-point blowout in November. Memphis, however, has struggled this season, languishing near the bottom of the Western Conference. Despite a recent win over the Nuggets that ended an eight-game losing streak, the Grizzlies face significant injury challenges. Key players like Ja Morant (elbow), Brandon Clarke (calf), and Zach Edey (ankle) are sidelined, while others such as GG Jackson, Taj Gibson, and Santi Aldama have been ruled out for the season. Memphis’ injury woes have forced the team to rely on unlikely contributors like Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Taylor Hendricks, who made an impact in Wednesday’s win. Coach Tuomas Iisalo noted that these players have stepped up to provide energy and depth. Meanwhile, Boston’s injury report is relatively clean, with Nikola Vucevic (fractured finger) the only major absence. The Celtics’ depth and health have been critical to their recent success, including a three-game winning streak and an 8-3 record in their last 11 games. Jayson Tatum’s return from an Achilles injury has been a game-changer for Boston.#boston_celtics #jaylen_brown #memphis_grizzlies #golden_state_warriors #kristaps_porzingis
Boston Celtics Sign Charles Bassey Amid Roster Adjustments The Boston Celtics made two roster moves on Saturday, signing Charles Bassey to a 10-day contract and Max Shulga to a two-year standard deal. The decision followed the team’s use of all available days to carry fewer than 14 players on standard contracts, leaving them with the need to re-sign Bassey or replace him before his 10-day deal expires. This move aligns with the Celtics’ strategy to manage their roster while staying under the luxury tax threshold for the league year. Bassey, a 25-year-old center, had a distinct advantage in securing the 10-day deal. His standout performance during the Summer League with the Sin City Celtics highlighted his value to the team. Boston’s head coach, Joe Mazzulla, emphasized the importance of continuity and the relationships Bassey had built with the coaching staff and players during the summer. “He was good for us in Summer League,” Mazzulla said. “Anytime you can continue to build relationships with the assistants, with our language, and with some of the stuff from Summer League that’s carried over to now, it helps you, especially in a short period of time.” Bassey’s contributions during the Summer League were significant. In three games, he averaged 15.3 points while shooting 70.4% from the field, along with 11 rebounds and two blocks per game. His performance caught the attention of the Celtics, who had previously explored other options for a 10-day contract. However, Bassey’s familiarity with the team’s system and his track record in the summer program made him a top choice. Before joining the Celtics, Bassey had a varied path, including training camp with the Atlanta Hawks, 10-day stints with the Memphis Grizzlies and Philadelphia 76ers, and time in the G League.#boston_celtics #joe_mazzulla #charles_bassey #sin_city_celtics #nikea_vucevic
Celtics sign Max Shulga to standard contract and Charles Bassey to 10-day contract The Boston Celtics have converted rookie Max Shulga’s two-way contract to a standard NBA deal and signed veteran center Charles Bassey to a 10-day contract, according to a league source. The moves are part of the team’s effort to remain under the luxury tax threshold, a strategy initiated after a series of February trades that reduced the roster to just 12 players. Teams are allowed to operate below the league minimum of 14 players for up to 14 days. Following the trades, the Celtics signed Dalano Banton and John Tonje to 10-day contracts. When those deals expired, another 14-day window passed before the team finalized the Shulga and Bassey signings. Shulga, a second-round pick in the 2025 draft, has spent most of the season with the Celtics’ G League affiliate in Maine. The team opted for a standard contract instead of retaining his two-way deal, which would have required a higher minimum salary. Ron Harper Jr., a two-way player who has seen significant playing time this season, was a more obvious choice from a basketball standpoint, but his salary as a fourth-year player would have pushed the Celtics over the luxury tax line. Bassey, who previously played for the 76ers and Grizzlies, joined the Celtics during the Las Vegas Summer League in July. His addition provides depth at the center position while allowing the team flexibility in managing payroll. The decisions reflect the Celtics’ ongoing focus on financial prudence, balancing roster depth with the need to stay within the tax threshold. The moves also open opportunities for younger players to gain experience in the NBA while minimizing long-term financial commitments.#boston_celtics #charles_bassey #max_shulga #ron_harper_jr #las_vegas_summer_league
