The Los Angeles Lakers will face the Boston Celtics in what has been one of the most anticipated matchups of the season on Saturday night, March 8, 2025, at TD Garden. Fans and analysts alike have been eagerly awaiting this game, especially as both teams are playoff contenders with strong records. The atmosphere is charged, but the Lakers have received some unfortunate news as they prepare to take on the Celtics; they will be without their starting big man, Jaxson Hayes.
Hayes has been downgraded from questionable to out due to a right knee contusion sustained during the Lakers' thrilling 113-109 overtime victory against the New York Knicks just two days prior. The injury was serious enough to sideline him for what is undoubtedly one of the biggest games of the regular season; the stakes could not be higher. "Jaxson Hayes has been downgraded to doubtful with a right knee contusion for the game on March 8, 2025," reported Jovan Buha.
Hayes had played quite the role during the Lakers’ impressive eight-game winning streak, contributing significantly on both ends of the floor. While not always a primary scorer, he averaged 8.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game over this stretch, providing valuable defense inside the key. Hayes had also turned some heads with his impressive performance against the New Orleans Pelicans earlier this week, where he scored 19 points on efficient shooting. His absence, along with Rui Hachimura, who is also out due to his own left knee injury, leaves the Lakers thin up front.
To fill the gap left by Hayes, the Lakers will turn to Jarred Vanderbilt, who is stepping up to start at center. This will mark his first start of the season, and he has been primarily utilized as a power forward. Although Vanderbilt has only played center for about 20% of his time on the court so far this season, the Lakers have little choice but to rely on him. He has averaged 4.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game this season, with some success shooting 49.1% from the field. Head coach Darvin Ham will look to him to bring energy and create mismatches against the Celtics’ formidable frontcourt.
“Jarred Vanderbilt is starting at center tonight for the Lakers, the team says,” tweeted ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. This change is significant, as it means the Lakers will likely be running smaller lineups. They may also give more minutes to players like Trey Jemison III and Alex Len, heightening the urgency on the court as other players step up to compensate for Hayes' absence.
The Celtics are also facing their challenges, as they will be without their center Kristaps Porzingis for the fourth consecutive game due to illness. Veteran big man Al Horford will start to fill this void. On top of this, Boston will welcome back Jrue Holiday, who returns after missing three games with a finger injury. This matchup now has the feeling of even greater tension due to the rivalry's longstanding history.
Unquestionably, this game carries serious weight for both teams, particularly for the Lakers, who are riding high after their eight-game winning streak. Currently perched at second place in the Western Conference, the Lakers have positioned themselves as serious contenders this season. The Celtics too have been on fire, winning 13 of their last 16 games and currently holding down the second spot in the Eastern Conference. With both teams at the peak of their performance, this duel promises to be electrifying.
Tonight’s highly-anticipated tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. ET, broadcasted nationally on ABC. Fans are excited to see how the absences and roster adjustments will impact the two teams as they vie for not just victory, but positioning for the playoffs. The Lakers, led by the likes of LeBron James and superstar newcomer Luka Doncic, have their eyes set on not only beating the Celtics but also making waves through the playoffs.
The competition is fierce, and all eyes will be on the players to deliver. While Hayes’ absence is undeniably felt, it could also serve as the perfect opportunity for Jarred Vanderbilt to shine and make his presence known as they seek to extend their winning streak to nine. With the rivalries and stakes at play, the game develops layers of excitement, making it more than just another regular season contest.