Boston Celtics vs Portland Trail Blazers Prediction and Betting Tips - Dec. 28 | 2025-26 NBA Season

The Boston Celtics and the Portland Trail Blazers will face each other at the Moda Center in Oregon on Sunday. It will be their first meeting of the season, with both teams coming in on very different trajectories.

The Celtics are coming off a convincing 140–122 home win over the Indiana Pacers, while the Trail Blazers suffered a 119–103 road loss to the LA Clippers. Boston improved to 19–11 with the victory and remains third in the Eastern Conference, while Portland fell to 12–19 and slipped to 10th in the West.

Despite having home-court advantage, the Trail Blazers have struggled in Portland, posting a 5–9 record at the Moda Center. The Celtics will look to take advantage of that, especially with a solid 9–6 record on the road this season.

Boston Celtics vs Portland Trail Blazers Preview, Odds, Betting Tips and Prediction

Moneyline: Celtics -230, Trail Blazers +190

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Spread: Celtics -6.5 (-105), Trail Blazers +6.5 (-115)

Total over/under (o/u): Celtics o228.5 (-108), Trail Blazers u228.5 (-112)

*Editor's note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off*

Boston Celtics vs Portland Trail Blazers preview

Sunday’s matchup marks the start of the Boston Celtics’ four-game road trip out West. They head into the contest full of confidence, riding a four-game winning streak.

Their recent surge has been driven by strong defensive play. The Celtics own the league’s second-best defense, allowing just 110.4 ppg. Offensively, however, there is room for improvement, as they average 116.8 ppg, which ranks 14th in the NBA.

Jaylen Brown remains their best player this season, averaging 29.4 ppg. Derrick White, meanwhile, has provided great support, recording 18.3 ppg and 5.1 apg

On the other hand, the Portland Trail Blazers have struggled to find consistency and enter this matchup on a three-game losing streak. December has been a difficult month for the team, as they currently hold a 4–7 record during that stretch.

That inconsistency has shown on both ends of the floor. The Trail Blazers own the fifth-worst defense in the league, giving up 120.5 ppg, while their offense has been average at best, scoring 116.6 ppg, the 16th-best mark in the NBA.

Deni Avdija has been Portland's standout performer, averaging 25.6 ppg and 6.6 apg. Shaedon Sharpe has been their next best man, recording 21.9 ppg.

In terms of injuries, both teams will be missing a few key players. The Trail Blazers will be without Robert Williams III, Jerami Grant, Scoot Henderson, Jrue Holiday, Damian Lillard, Matissse Tybulle and Blake Wesley. Meanwhile, the Celtics will be without Chris Boucher and Jayson Tatum.

Boston Celtics vs Portland Trail Blazers predicted starting fives

Boston Celtics predicted starting five

PG- Derrick White, SG- Payton Pritchard, SF- Jaylen Brown, PF- Jordan Walsh, C- Neemias Queta

Portland Trail Blazers predicted starting five

PG- Deni Avdija, SG- Shaedon Sharpe, SF- Toumani Camara, Sidy Cissoko, C- Donovan Clingan

Boston Celtics vs Portland Trail Blazers betting tips

Jaylen Brown is projected to score over 30.5 points. He is averaging 29.4 ppg this season.

Deni Avdija is expected to record over 26.5 points. He is averaging 25.5 ppg this season.

Donovan Clingan is expected to collect over 10.5 rebounds. He is averaging 10.3 rebounds per game.

Boston Celtics vs Portland Trail Blazers predictions

The Boston Celtics are -6.5 favorites on the spread, and the team has a better overall and away record. They should secure an easy win at the Moda Center.

Edited by Arian Kashyap