Weren’t the Boston Celtics supposed to be bad this season? Here they sit, the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference with a point differential better than +6 points per game.
This is one of the more underrated yet impressive pieces of this season, and it should continue against the Sacramento Kings tonight, the worst team in the Western Conference.
Yet my Celtics vs. Kings predictions and NBA picks on Thursday, January 1 expect Sacramento to cover the spread, largely thanks to the schedule.
Celtics vs Kings prediction
Celtics vs Kings best bet: Kings +9.5 (-110)
While the Sacramento Kings are the worst team in the Western Conference, they luck into a schedule edge here simply because the Boston Celtics are on a lengthy road trip through a holiday. And after tonight, Boston will at least have an off night in Los Angeles to look forward to.
Doubt in Boston’s depth in their fourth straight road game. For that matter, the Celtics are 1-3 against the spread in their last four games as at least three-bucket favorites, two of those three ATS losses coming on the road.
It is simply a steep ask, expecting a roster in flux to go on the road and win by 10 points. Just two weeks ago, Sacramento covered the spread in three straight games as 10- and 10.5-point underdogs, all at home.
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Celtics vs Kings same-game parlay
If Boston’s energy wanes at all, look for it to show up defensively more than offensively. And that should fit hand-in-hand with two of the three games on this road trip already hitting their Overs.
The one Celtic you can trust to not lack for energy is Luka Garza, growing into a bigger and bigger role on this altered Boston roster, scoring in double digits in three of his last five games.
Celtics vs Kings SGP
- Kings +9.5
- Over 229
- Luka Garza Over 6.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Achiuwa benefits from Garza's mistakes
Among all of Garza’s assets, his defensive effort is notable, but that is very much a backhanded compliment. Garza needs that effort on defense because he often makes mistakes.
Just a few should push Precious Achiuwa closer to double digits than not. In four of his last five games, he has scored at least five points. That may sound like a low bar, but one additional Garza mistake would then push Achiuwa to a profitable range.
Celtics vs Kings SGP
- Kings +9.5
- Over 229
- Luka Garza Over 6.5 points
- Precious Achiuwa Over 6.5 points
Celtics vs Kings odds
- Spread: Celtics -9.5 | Kings +9.5
- Moneyline: Celtics -400 | Kings +320
- Over/Under: Over 229 | Under 229
Celtics vs Kings betting trend to know
Sacramento went 4-0 against the spread in its most recent stretch at home, ending less than a week ago. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Kings.
How to watch Celtics vs Kings
| Location | Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, CA |
| Date | Thursday, January 1, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | NBCSB, NBCSCA |
Celtics vs Kings latest injuries
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