On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, basketball fans are gearing up for what could be a pivotal NBA matchup as the Boston Celtics host the Oklahoma City Thunder at TD Garden. The game is set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET, and anticipation is high for this potential NBA Finals preview.
Both teams come to this game with impressive records. The Thunder, who currently lead the Western Conference, own a record of 53-12, boasting the best point differential by 13 points on the road at 24-7. Meanwhile, the Celtics, with 47 wins and 18 losses, have captured the second seed in the Eastern Conference and are entering this game on the back of five consecutive victories.
The Celtics recently triumphed over the Utah Jazz with a score of 114-108, though the game was closer than the score might suggest. Lead scorer Sam Hauser netted 33 points, shooting 9-for-19 from beyond the arc. Jayson Tatum, who leads the Celtics with 27.2 points per game, is currently listed as questionable for this matchup due to knee soreness. Kristaps Porzingis, also questionable, has been sidelined with illness.
Conversely, the Thunder are seeking to bounce back from a surprising 140-127 loss to the Denver Nuggets, a game marked by weak defense—Denver shot over 60% from the field. Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to lead the team, averaging over 32 points per game and consistently scoring 25 or more points in each of his last nine games. He tallied 40 points against the Nuggets just days before this game, indicating his shining form.
The Celtics and Thunder met earlier this season, where Oklahoma City came out on top 105-92 during their previous encounter on January 5, 2025. Fans and analysts are eager to see if Boston can even the score or if the Thunder will reassert their dominance.
Regarding injuries, the Thunder will be missing Jalen Williams due to a hip injury, and guard Alex Caruso's status remains uncertain due to illness. This leaves both teams scrambling to adjust their rosters as they prepare for the clash.
Betting odds indicate Boston as the slight favorites at -2.5, with the projected total score set at 229.5 points. The line opened with Boston favored by 4.5 points, but as the game approached, shifts occurred due to the injury concerns surrounding key players.
Experts like Vaughn Dalzell suggest Boston is likely to win, considering their current form and the Thunder's recent loss. He mentioned, "These teams splitting in the regular season seems likely, especially with the Thunder winning at home in the January meeting. Boston has won five straight and hosts Oklahoma City..." This reinforces the pivotal nature of the game as both teams vie for playoff positioning.
With both sides featuring young rising stars and seasoned veterans, fans can expect high octane basketball, strategic plays, and intense competition. The atmosphere at TD Garden is anticipated to be electric as local fans turn out to support their team.
For viewers eager to catch the action, the game will be broadcast live on ESPN and can also be streamed on platforms like Fubo, which offers trials for new subscribers.
This matchup not only stands as one of the highlights of March but also sets the stage for what lies ahead as both teams prepare for the playoffs. With Boston riding their wave of momentum and Oklahoma City determined to recover, this game promises to deliver excitement, skill, and drama as NBA fans tune in.
Whatever the outcome, one thing is for certain: the faceoff between these two top-tier teams is one not to be missed. Be sure to catch the game live and follow along for updates and highlights as the competition heats up.