What to Know Coverage begins at 6 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Boston with Celtics Pregame Live. Jaylen Brown (illness) ruled out for Boston. Wizards own worst record in Eastern Conference (3-17). Celtics (12-9) have won seven of their last 10 games.

With Jayson Tatum out for the entire 2025–2026 season, the Boston Celtics opened the year on a rough note. They lost their first three games. However, things have shifted in a much more positive direction since then, winning 12 of its next 18 games.

Those are questions Mazzulla says that Minott constantly has to answer defensively, and he compares his work to that of teammate and fellow small ball mainstay Jordan Walsh, who has also taken strides as a defensive stopper when the Celtics shrink the lineup.

The veteran forward led the Celtics to a fantastic 123-117 win over the New York Knicks on Tuesday. The one-time Finals MVP dazzled with a spectacular performance, putting Boston on his back and leaving Madison Square Garden with a thrilling victory.

Jalen Johnson (11 PTS, 10 REB, 12 AST) is the first Hawk in the the play-by-play era to record a triple-double in a single half. It's his third triple-double of the season, the most in a single season by a Hawk since Doc Rivers (3, 1987-88).

What to Know Tune in to NBC Sports Boston before the game at 6 p.m. ET for Celtics Pregame Live and immediately after the game for Celtics Postgame Live. The Celtics and Lakers write a new chapter in the NBA’s best rivalry.

Marcus Smart will miss the lone time this season the Lakers will play in Boston as he's dealt with injury issues.

The 3–17 Washington Wizards are slated to take on the 12–9 Boston Celtics. This game is shaping up to be quite the contest considering both teams will be without multiple key contributors. The Celtics will likely be without Jaylen Brown as he is dealing with an ongoing illness,