Brooklyn Nets vs Boston Celtics – Preview & Prediction (Jan. 23, 2026)
Team form and what to expect
The Brooklyn Nets are in a rough patch, having lost eight of their last nine games and 12 of their last 14 overall. They’ve dropped three straight — losing to the Bulls, Suns and Knicks — and sit near the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 12–30 record. Home games have been especially tough: the Nets have struggled to score efficiently and rank near the league lows in field-goal percentage, rebounds and both offensive and defensive efficiency.
Michael Porter Jr. has been the bright spot for Brooklyn after arriving in a summer trade. He’s carrying a heavy scoring load, averaging over 25 points and pulling down more than seven rebounds per game. Still, the supporting cast has been inconsistent and the team’s poor shooting and rebounding numbers limit how much Porter Jr. can do by himself.
The Boston Celtics have been more up-and-down recently, going 4–4 over their last eight games but still holding a solid 27–16 record and second place in the East. Jaylen Brown has been outstanding this season, averaging close to 30 points while also contributing on the glass and as a playmaker. He’s had some huge scoring nights and has been reliable in carrying the offense when needed.
Boston’s offense is one of the best in the league and the team leans heavily on the three-point shot. That makes shooters like Sam Hauser extremely valuable — he’s been hot from deep in recent games and can change spacing and scoring in a hurry. At the same time, the Celtics play at a deliberate pace and feature a strong defensive unit, which tends to keep games under control rather than turning into shootouts.
Head-to-head this season the teams are split 1–1, with the road team winning both matchups so far. For this game, Brooklyn will be missing Haywood Highsmith, while Boston will be without Jayson Tatum and Josh Minott — absences that should noticeably impact both rotations and roles.
Prediction & tip
Given Brooklyn’s recent offensive struggles (they scored just 66 points in their last outing) and Boston’s low-tempo, defense-first approach, this looks like a contest that could stay below the posted total. The Celtics rarely push the pace when they have control, and without Tatum their scoring balance is altered even if Brown remains productive.
Tip-off: Friday, January 23rd — 7:30 p.m. EST.
Prediction: Under 218.5 points.
Publication note: Odds fluctuate, so check current lines if you plan to wager. This preview focuses on matchup dynamics — team form, key absences, and pace — rather than promoting any specific bookmaker.
