Celtics Set to Welcome the Trail Blazers to TD Garden
The Boston Celtics are set to return home Monday night to host the Portland Trail Blazers in a non-conference matchup that presents an opportunity for response and recalibration. Boston currently stands at 28-17 and ranks second in the Eastern Conference, while Portland, at 23-23, sit on the ninth spot of the Western Conference. Although the teams reside in opposite conferences, this meeting carries added weight after Portland defeated Boston 114-108 in their last meeting on December 28, 2025. With the Celtics continuing to manage injuries and Portland playing confident basketball of late, this game presents a chance for Boston to reassert control on its home floor.
Boston has been solid at TD Garden this season, posting a 13-7 home record, though close games have proven challenging, as reflected by a 4-6 mark in one-possession contests. Offensively, the Celtics rely heavily on perimeter shooting, averaging 15.8 made three-pointers per game, a notable advantage against a Portland defense that allows 12.5 per contest. Jaylen Brown continues to carry the offensive load, averaging 29.8 points per game while shooting 48.4 percent from the field, while Sam Hauser holds a career three-point percentage of 41.7. If Boston can fully utilize Hauser’s shooting efficiency on the court, it could make a difference in tightening up their results at home.
Portland enters the matchup playing some of its best basketball of the season, going 7-3 over its last 10 games while averaging 115.3 points per contest. The Trail Blazers have been competitive on the road, holding a 10-12 record and averaging 16 turnovers per game. Shaedon Sharpe leads the offense, averaging 21.9 points per game, while Caleb Love has emerged as a perimeter contributor for the Trail Blazer, averaging 16.8 points per game. Injuries remain a factor for Portland, with several rotation players listed as day-to-day. How effectively the Trail Blazers manage those absences could play a decisive role in whether they can sustain their recent momentum against an elite opponent.
The defining battle in this matchup centers on three-point efficiency and ball security. Boston’s ability to generate clean perimeter looks will test Portland’s defensive rotations, while the Trail Blazers’ success hinges on controlling turnovers and sustaining offensive rhythm. Transition defense and rebounding loom as critical factors, particularly if Portland looks to replicate the formula that led to its win in the previous meeting. Bench production could also play a decisive role, especially with both teams navigating rotation uncertainty due to injuries.
This game projects as a competitive contest shaped by shot selection and execution rather than tempo alone. Boston enters with the advantage of home court and a proven scoring leader in Brown, while Portland brings momentum and confidence from recent performances. Fans should watch whether the Celtics can create early separation through perimeter shooting and defensive discipline, or if Portland’s balanced attack keeps the game within striking distance late. If Boston limits turnovers and avoids another close-game slip, the Celtics are well-positioned to secure a home response and move past the result from the previous meeting.
