Celtics Host Kings as Sacramento Aims to Extend Winning Streak

The Boston Celtics, fresh off a 3-1 road trip, will host the Sacramento Kings at TD Garden on Friday night. The Kings, riding a five-game winning streak, are looking to extend their momentum against the defending champions. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, with the game airing on NBCSB.

The Celtics secured a 118-106 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday, led by Jayson Tatum‘s 29 points and Kristaps Porzingis‘ 25 points and 11 rebounds. Porzingis, who has been battling injuries, expressed optimism about his recovery. “[Tuesday] was, in my opinion, one of the first games that I felt like I’m getting close to feeling healthy, feeling good, and getting back into good shape,” he said.

Sacramento, meanwhile, is coming off a thrilling double-overtime win against the Miami Heat, overcoming a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit. The Kings have shown resilience under interim head coach Doug Christie, improving their record to 18-19 after a rocky start to the season. However, they face a tough challenge against the Celtics, who have dominated the recent matchups. Sacramento has lost six straight games to Boston and hasn’t won at TD Garden since March 19, 2021.

“They’re the champs,” Christie said of the Celtics. “It doesn’t get any better when you watch them execute, how they go about their business. It’s going to be sleepless nights trying to figure out something for them.”

Boston (27-10) boasts one of the league’s most dynamic offenses, averaging 118.5 points per game (fourth in the NBA). Jayson Tatum leads the team with 28.1 points per game, while Kristaps Porzingis and Jaylen Brown provide additional firepower. The Celtics also rank fifth in points allowed (108.3 per game), showcasing their balanced approach.

Sacramento (18-19) has been led by De’Aaron Fox, who is listed as questionable for Friday’s game due to a hip injury. In his absence, Keegan Murray has stepped up, averaging 11.7 points and 7.4 rebounds this season. Murray’s defensive assignment against Tatum will be critical, as the Kings lack size to match Boston’s versatile lineup.

Murray, who has shown improvement in his three-point shooting since returning from injury, will need to avoid foul trouble to stay effective. “No one is going to truly shut down Jayson Tatum,” said Kings analyst Will Zimmerle. “But Murray’s ability to slow him down and contribute on the boards could be a key factor in this game.”

Statistically, the Celtics hold the edge in field goal percentage (.461 to .475) and three-point shooting (.366 to .345). However, Sacramento’s recent form under Christie, including a 5-1 record since his interim appointment, suggests they could pose a challenge. The Kings are 8-7 on the road this season, while Boston is 13-6 at home.

As both teams prepare for Friday’s matchup, the spotlight will be on Tatum and Murray, whose individual battle could shape the outcome. With playoff implications on the line, the game promises to be a compelling clash between two teams trending in opposite directions.