Jan. 1, 2026, 6:05 a.m. ET
The Sacramento Kings (8-25) are taking on the Boston Celtics (20-12) to begin the new year at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT) on Jan. 1.
Sacramento is back at home and look to put their woes behind them after a short trip to Southern California where they were defeated by an average margin of 32.5 points in games against the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers.
The Celtics are coming off of a 129-119 win against the Utah Jazz, with three players — Derrick White (27), Jaylen Brown (23) and Anfernee Simons (20) — scoring at least 20 points. Payton Pritchard added 18.
Boston is third in the Eastern Conference standings and sit 4.5 games behind the first-place Detroit Pistons (25-8). The Kings are trying to find their way, as they stand at the No. 14 spot in the West.
Here’s what you need to know ahead of Thursday’s matchup between the Kings and Celtics:
How to watch Celtics vs. Kings: TV channel, live stream
- Start time: 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT)
- Location: Golden 1 Center (Sacramento, California)
- TV Channel: NBC Sports California; NBC Sports Boston; NBA League Pass
- Live stream: NBA League Pass; Fubo; Peacock
Kings injury report
The Kings will be missing guard Zach LaVine and center Domantas Sabonis due to injury. LaVine is out with a left ankle sprain; Sabonis is out with a partial meniscus tear in his left knee.
Two-way players Dylan Cardwell, Daeqwon Plowden and Isaiah Stevens have been assigned to the G-League affiliate Stockton Kings.
Kings keys to victory
- More energy, intensity: Sacramento looked lethargic in multiple instances in its last game against the Clippers. Expect the Kings to take that to heart and play with pride on their home floor in front of their passionate fans.
- Make-or-miss league: Sometimes it’s a simple as it’s a make-or-miss league and you need your main guys to knock down their shots. Keegan Murray, DeMar DeRozan and Keon Ellis did not shoot the ball well in their last game, all under 40% from the field. This game either they will have to turn that around or other guys have to catch fire.
- Cool down, JB: Focus on the little things, defensively. Incoming is Jaylen Brown, who was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week from Dec. 22-28. He averaged 32.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.7 steals on nearly 56% from the field and nearly 43% from 3-point land.
- Don’t sleep on the others: The Kings can’t forget about the other guys who can fill the box score such as Payton Pritchard (16.9 ppg), Derrick White (18.4 ppg) or reserve guard Anfernee Simons (13 ppg).
Celtics vs. Kings odds
Odds according to BetMGM as of Wednesday evening.
- Spread: Celtics by 9.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 227.5 (O/U -110)
- Moneyline: Celtics -425
Kings next five games
- Jan. 2 at Phoenix Suns
- Jan. 4 vs. Milwaukee Bucks
- Jan. 6 vs. Dallas Mavericks
- Jan. 9 at Golden State Warriors
- Jan. 11 vs. Houston Rockets