Celtics Look to Bounce Back at TD Garden Against the Jazz
After a crushing 128-101 defeat to the Houston Rockets on Saturday night, the Boston Celtics will look to bounce back as they welcome the Utah Jazz to TD Garden tonight. Boston’s loss ended a promising three-game win streak that included a big victory over the previously undefeated Philadelphia 76ers. Head Coach Joe Mazzulla didn’t mince words after the game, acknowledging that “it just wasn’t our night,” and stressing the importance of how the team responds. With a 3-4 record and sitting 12th in the Eastern Conference, the Celtics are seeking to regain consistency early in the 2025-26 season. Tonight’s matchup offers a prime opportunity to do just that, especially against a Utah team also struggling to find its rhythm.
The Jazz enter the contest at 2-4 and 13th in the Western Conference, hoping to end a three-game slide. Utah went 17-65 last season, including a 7-34 road record, and their early struggles this year mirror that trend. The Jazz averaged 111.9 points per game last season while allowing 121.2, showing their defense still needs work. Their key contributors, including Lauri Markkanen and rookie guard Isaiah Collier (day-to-day with a hamstring injury), will be crucial in keeping this game competitive. Despite having a superior roster and home-court advantage, the Celtics will still need to clean up the defensive lapses that Houston exploited. Boston must also find offensive balance without star forward Jayson Tatum, who remains sidelined with an Achilles injury.
Boston’s depth will once again be tested, as players like Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and rookie Baylor Scheierman will need to step up. Scheierman’s 17-point performance against Houston was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise lopsided loss, but he’ll need support from veterans like Jaylen Brown to steady the offense. The Celtics averaged 116.3 points per game last season, but their current inconsistency has made it difficult to close out opponents. Mazzulla’s emphasis on rebounding and defensive energy will be key factors tonight. The Celtics are listed as 10.5-point favorites with the over/under set at 233. They’re expected to control the pace, but recent performances suggest nothing can be taken for granted.
Tonight’s game is about more than just a win; it’s about resetting the tone for the season. The expectations remain sky-high in Boston, and another sluggish performance could raise early concerns. For the Jazz, a victory on the road could be a much-needed morale boost after a rough start. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, and fans will be watching closely to see if the Celtics can respond to adversity the way their coach expects. With a long season ahead, the Celtics’ matchup tonight may prove to be a turning point in determining whether this team finds its rhythm or continues to search for it.
