Celtics (52-19) at Kings (35-35)
- When: Mar 24 2025, 10:00 PM
- Where: Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
- TV: NBCS-CA
Boston Celtics vs. Sacramento Kings Preview
Line: Celtics -4.0 | Total: 223.0
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are rolling into Sacramento on the heels of a five-game win streak, including back-to-back road victories over Utah and Portland. Jayson Tatum has led the way during this stretch, dropping 26 points with all-around production against the Jazz and following up with a near triple-double against the Trail Blazers (30 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists).
With Jaylen Brown still sidelined due to a knee injury, Tatum is taking on an even bigger role. Kristaps Porzingis, who has recently returned from illness, is expected to be in the lineup again. The Celtics will be looking to keep their hot streak alive as they continue their West Coast road trip. Boston’s defense remains one of the league’s best, allowing just over 108 points per game, and they’re hitting their stride at the right time with playoff seeding on the line.
Boston is locked into a tight race near the top of the Eastern Conference. With time running out in the regular season, they’ll be looking to capitalize on every opportunity, especially against opponents fighting to stay in the playoff picture.
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are coming off back-to-back home losses and find themselves slipping in the Western Conference standings. At 35-35, they currently hold the 9th seed and are dangerously close to the play-in threshold, with just a slim lead over the Suns and Mavericks.
Sacramento has had a rough patch of late, but there’s potential good news: Domantas Sabonis has been upgraded to questionable and may return for this crucial game. If he suits up, his presence in the paint and ability to rebound and facilitate could be a huge lift for a team that desperately needs to snap out of its funk.
The Kings’ last win against Boston came in January, when they pulled off an impressive 114-97 upset behind a dominant 28-rebound performance from Sabonis. Repeating that kind of result without him, however, would be a tall order. Sacramento’s margin for error is shrinking quickly, and the pressure is mounting.
Betting Outlook & Prediction
The Celtics are listed as 4-point favorites, and with the way they’ve been playing — even without Brown — it’s justified. Their offense is clicking, and their defense has remained consistent. Sacramento, on the other hand, has struggled to string together wins and has looked vulnerable without Sabonis at full strength.
The total is set at 223.0, and both teams have enough firepower to push that number — especially if the game turns into a fast-paced shootout.
Score Prediction:
Boston 117, Sacramento 109
Pick: Celtics -4.0
Lean: Over 223.0
Player Prop Angles
Jayson Tatum Over 29.5 Points: With Brown out and Tatum in MVP form, expect him to shoulder the scoring load again. He’s been consistent and efficient, especially against subpar defenses.
Kristaps Porzingis Points + Rebounds Combo: He’s played well since returning and should see solid usage. A prop Over 26.5 points + rebounds could offer value.
The Celtics are hot at the right time and showing no signs of slowing down. Sacramento is still dangerous, especially at home, but unless Sabonis returns and dominates, Boston looks like the right side here.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
