Celtics vs. Lakers: Game 56 Showdown on February 22, 2026
The Boston Celtics are set to clash with the Los Angeles Lakers on February 22, 2026, in what promises to be an electrifying match. This game, designated as Game 56 of the regular season, will take place at 6:30 PM ET at the Crypto.com Arena and will be broadcast on NBC, Peacock, NBCSB, and Telemundo, with radio coverage on 98.5 Sports Hub and ESPN LA 710.
Celtics vs. Lakers: Season Overview
The Celtics currently hold a record of 36 wins and 19 losses, placing them second in the Eastern Conference. They trail the Detroit Pistons by 5.5 games and aim to strengthen their playoff position. In their previous meeting on December 5, 2025, the Celtics defeated the Lakers 125-105 in Boston, a game where the Lakers were missing key players, including LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
Lakers’ Standing
The Lakers, with a record of 34-21, find themselves fifth in the Western Conference. They remain competitive within striking distance of higher placements, trailing only 8 games behind the first-place Oklahoma City Thunder. In their last matchup, the Lakers secured a victory over the Clippers and will be looking to build momentum with their strong core players intact.
Matchup Insights
- Historical Context: The Celtics lead the all-time series against the Lakers with 168 wins and 135 losses but have a less impressive record of 55-78 when playing in Los Angeles.
- Previous Encounters: Last season, both teams won their respective home games, tying the series.
Probable Starting Lineups
| Position | Celtics | Lakers |
|---|---|---|
| PG | Derrick White | Luka Doncic |
| SG | Baylor Scheierman | Austin Reaves |
| SF | Jaylen Brown | LeBron James |
| PF | Sam Hauser | Marcus Smart |
| C | Neemias Queta | DeAndre Ayton |
Key Players and Matchups
The matchup between Derrick White and Luka Doncic will be crucial. Doncic is currently averaging 33 points, accompanied by 7.8 rebounds and 8.6 assists, while White’s performance will be critical in containing him. In the same vein, Baylor Scheierman faces off against Austin Reaves, who is also on a hot streak, averaging over 25 points per game.
Defensive Strategies
Defense is expected to be a significant factor in this matchup. The Celtics rank 8th in the league for defensive rating, while the Lakers are 24th. To secure a victory, the Celtics must focus on:
- Defending the paint effectively, as the Lakers often excel in that area.
- Curbing second-chance opportunities through aggressive rebounding.
- Moving the ball fluidly to find optimal scoring chances while minimizing turnovers.
Game Context
This game represents a pivotal moment in both teams’ seasons. The Celtics are wrapping up a four-game Western road trip and have shown resilience with victories in their last two games. The Lakers look to capitalize on their home advantage and will aim to extend their success on their home court as they close out a lengthy homestand.
Fan anticipation is high as this storied rivalry continues. Both teams will be striving for excellence, making the Celtics vs. Lakers: Game 56 showdown on February 22, 2026, a must-watch event.
