The Boston Celtics will make the trip to California’s Golden 1 Center to face off with the Sacramento Kings this Thursday (Jan. 1) night. There, the Celtics will look to keep themselves in the win column after bouncing back from an unexpected loss with a road win for their last contest.

The Kings are working to get back in the win column themselves after dropping multiple games in a row, so Boston won’t be able to mail this game in unless they want to see another ugly loss on their record. We expect a Celtics win, but playing down to their opponent carries the usual risks.

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Records, standing, and streaks

At present, the Celtics have a 20-12 record coming into tonight’s contest. That has them third in the Eastern Conference standings.

Mar 24, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles the ball next to Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) in the fourth quarter at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Mar 24, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard DeMar DeRozan (10) dribbles the ball next to Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) in the fourth quarter at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

The Kings are the owners of an 8-25 record, good enough for 14th place in the West.

What happened in the last game for each team?

Boston beat the Utah Jazz 129-119 on the road.

Mar 24, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) dribbles the ball next to Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) in the fourth quarter at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Mar 24, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis (23) dribbles the ball next to Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) in the fourth quarter at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Sacramento lost to the Los Angeles Clippers 131-90, also on the road.

Injuries

For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum (Achilles) is out, and Chris Boucher (personal reasons) is questionable.

Mar 24, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (8) drives to the hoop next to Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) in the fourth quarter at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Mar 24, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (8) drives to the hoop next to Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) in the fourth quarter at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

For Sacramento, Domantas Sabonis (knee) and Zach LaVine (ankle) are out.

Probable starting lineups – Celtics

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 10: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the second half of a game against the Sacramento Kings at TD Garden on January 10, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 10: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics reacts during the second half of a game against the Sacramento Kings at TD Garden on January 10, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)

Probable starting lineups – Kings

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What time is tipoff, and on what channels?

Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:

  • TV Channel: NBC Sports Boston

Listen to “Havlicek Stole the Pod” on:

Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKp

iTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47

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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics at Kings: Stream, lineups, injury reports, broadcast (1/1)