Trail Blazers at Celtics predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends and best bets for January 26
The Boston Celtics are set to host a game heavy with narrative weight tonight as they welcome the Portland Trail Blazers to TD Garden for a January 26 showdown. While the standings show a disparity between the defending Eastern Conference contenders and a Western Conference play-in hopeful, the emotional undercurrent of the evening centers on the return of Jrue Holiday. The veteran guard, who was dealt to Portland in a blockbuster trade in June 2025, makes his first appearance back on the parquet since helping Boston raise a banner, adding a layer of intensity to this regular-season matchup.
Entering the contest, the Celtics (28-17) are listed as 7.5-point favorites, a line that reflects their dominance at home despite a recent stumble. Boston’s offense, led by the dynamic scoring of Jaylen Brown (averaging nearly 30 points per game), faces a Portland squad struggling to find consistency on the road. The total for the game is set at 225.5, a number that bettors should approach with caution given the injury report.
The most significant factor for handicappers tonight is the absence of Deni Avdija. The Blazers’ leading scorer is sidelined with a lower back strain, leaving a massive void in Portland's offensive production. Without Avdija’s 26 points per game, the scoring burden falls heavily on Anfernee Simons and rookie sensation Donovan Clingan, who faces a tough test in the paint against Boston’s interior defense.
Best Bet Analysis:
With Avdija out, the Blazers (23-23) lack the firepower to keep pace with Boston’s perimeter attack for 48 minutes. While Holiday will undoubtedly be motivated, the Celtics' depth—bolstered by the sharpshooting of Payton Pritchard—should allow them to pull away in the second half.
The smart money leans toward the Celtics -7.5, anticipating a double-digit victory as Boston looks to spoil Holiday’s homecoming. Furthermore, with Portland missing their primary offensive engine, the Under 225.5 is a strong play. Expect a defensive-minded Celtics squad to stifle a depleted Blazers offense, keeping the total score well below the projected line.
Prediction: Celtics 108, Trail Blazers 96.
Entering the contest, the Celtics (28-17) are listed as 7.5-point favorites, a line that reflects their dominance at home despite a recent stumble. Boston’s offense, led by the dynamic scoring of Jaylen Brown (averaging nearly 30 points per game), faces a Portland squad struggling to find consistency on the road. The total for the game is set at 225.5, a number that bettors should approach with caution given the injury report.
The most significant factor for handicappers tonight is the absence of Deni Avdija. The Blazers’ leading scorer is sidelined with a lower back strain, leaving a massive void in Portland's offensive production. Without Avdija’s 26 points per game, the scoring burden falls heavily on Anfernee Simons and rookie sensation Donovan Clingan, who faces a tough test in the paint against Boston’s interior defense.
Best Bet Analysis:
With Avdija out, the Blazers (23-23) lack the firepower to keep pace with Boston’s perimeter attack for 48 minutes. While Holiday will undoubtedly be motivated, the Celtics' depth—bolstered by the sharpshooting of Payton Pritchard—should allow them to pull away in the second half.
The smart money leans toward the Celtics -7.5, anticipating a double-digit victory as Boston looks to spoil Holiday’s homecoming. Furthermore, with Portland missing their primary offensive engine, the Under 225.5 is a strong play. Expect a defensive-minded Celtics squad to stifle a depleted Blazers offense, keeping the total score well below the projected line.
Prediction: Celtics 108, Trail Blazers 96.
