Boston Celtics Start New Year Strong Against Sacramento Kings
The Boston Celtics opened 2026 with an impressive performance, looking to build on their recent success against the Sacramento Kings. As they continue their five-game road trip, the Celtics aim to extend their winning streak and solidify their position in the league.
Boston Celtics vs. Sacramento Kings Preview
When: Thursday, 10 p.m. (local time)
Where: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento
TV and Radio: NBCSB, WBZ-FM 98.5
Current Team Records
- Celtics: 20-12 overall, 18-14 against the spread
- Kings: 8-25 overall, 12-21 against the spread
Recent Performance and Statistics
The Celtics have been on a roll lately, winning five of their last six games. This includes decisive victories against the Indiana Pacers and the Utah Jazz. In contrast, the Kings have struggled significantly, losing 12 of their last 15 games, including heavy defeats to the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers.
Key Statistics
| Team | Points per Game | Points Allowed per Game | Field Goal Percentage | 3-Point Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | 116.9 | 110.8 | 47.3% | 36.2% |
| Sacramento | 111.0 | 122.3 | 46.1% | 34.9% |
Player Highlights
- Derrick White: Averaged 22.3 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.8 rebounds in December.
- Jaylen Brown: Recently ended a streak of nine consecutive games scoring 30 or more points.
- Nique Clifford: The Kings’ rookie scored a season-high of 18 points against the Clippers.
- Maxime Raynaud: Making a mark in Sabonis’s absence with notable performances.
The Celtics have historically dominated the Kings, winning seven of their last eight matchups. As they prepare to face Sacramento, they maintain a strong line of -9.5 in favor of Boston with an over/under of 227.5. The Celtics conclude their road trip on Saturday against the Clippers in Los Angeles.
