You’re probably looking for the game time, right? Well, here is the short answer: there isn’t one. If you are hunting for the boston celtics schedule today, you’ll find the C’s have a rare night of rest this Friday, January 16, 2026.
Honestly, they need it.
The team just came off a gritty, high-stakes battle in Miami last night. They beat the Heat 119-114 in a game that felt way more like May than mid-January. It moved their record to 25-15, keeping them right in the thick of a crowded Eastern Conference race. If you’re a fan, today is basically a "recovery day" for your blood pressure before the road trip continues.
When Do They Play Next?
Since there’s no game today, you’ve gotta look toward tomorrow. The Celtics are heading to Georgia to face the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday, January 17.
That game tips off at 7:30 p.m. EST. You can catch it on NBC Sports Boston if you’re local, or via NBA League Pass if you’re watching from literally anywhere else. It’s the first time these two teams have seen each other this season, which is kind of wild considering we’re already 40 games deep.
Quick Look at the Upcoming Slate
- Saturday, Jan 17: @ Atlanta Hawks (7:30 p.m. EST)
- Monday, Jan 19: @ Detroit Pistons (8:00 p.m. EST - MLK Day Game)
- Wednesday, Jan 21: vs. Indiana Pacers (7:30 p.m. EST)
The MLK Day game in Detroit is always a big deal on the NBA calendar. After that, they finally head back to TD Garden. It feels like they’ve been living out of suitcases lately, doesn't it?
The Jayson Tatum Elephant in the Room
We have to talk about why this season feels so different. If you haven't been keeping up, the 2025-26 campaign has been defined by the absence of Jayson Tatum. He’s been out with a right Achilles repair, an injury that basically shifted the entire gravity of the roster.
Most people expected the Celtics to crater. They didn't.
Joe Mazzulla has this team playing a weird, slow-paced, defensive-minded style that somehow works. They’re currently 2nd in the league in points allowed (110.2 PPG). Without Tatum's 30-a-night scoring, they’ve turned into a defensive meat grinder. It’s not always pretty, but 25 wins at the halfway mark with your best player in a walking boot? You take that every single time.
Jaylen Brown is Playing Like an MVP
With Tatum sidelined, Jaylen Brown has gone nuclear. He’s averaging nearly 30 points a game (29.4 to be exact) and looks like he’s carrying the weight of the entire city on his shoulders.
In last night's win over Miami, the Heat threw everything at him. Double teams, zone looks, physical bumps—didn't matter. Brown’s playmaking has also taken a massive leap. He’s dishing out about 5 assists a night, finding guys like Payton Pritchard and Derrick White when the defense collapses.
The Supporting Cast Stepping Up
Derrick White is basically the "Swiss Army Knife" of the NBA at this point. He’s averaging over 20 points and hitting about 3.5 threes per game. Then you’ve got Anfernee Simons, who has been a revelation for the spacing on this floor.
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The injury report today is pretty clean otherwise. Josh Minott is dealing with a sprained left ankle, and he’s currently listed as day-to-day. Besides him and Tatum, the rotation is healthy, which is a miracle in today’s NBA.
What to Watch for in the Standings
The Eastern Conference is a mess right now. In a good way.
The Detroit Pistons—yeah, you read that right—are actually leading the conference with a 28-10 record. The Knicks are half a game ahead of Boston. Every single night the boston celtics schedule today involves a scoreboard-watching session because the seeds 2 through 6 are separated by a handful of games.
Winning that game against Miami was massive for tiebreaker purposes. If the season ended this afternoon, Boston would have home-court advantage in the first round, likely facing a team like Cleveland or Orlando.
Actionable Insights for Fans
Since the team is off tonight, here is what you should actually do to stay ready for the weekend:
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- Check the Atlantic Division Standings: The Knicks and Celtics are neck-and-neck. Keep an eye on New York’s game against Philadelphia tonight; a Philly win helps Boston’s quest for the 2-seed.
- Set Your DVR for Saturday: The Hawks are a high-volume three-point shooting team (14.5 makes per game). Boston’s perimeter defense, led by Jrue Holiday and White, will be the deciding factor.
- Monitor the MLK Day Prep: Monday's game in Detroit is a "statement" opportunity. If Boston can beat the top-seeded Pistons on their home floor, it changes the narrative about who the favorite in the East really is.
The Celtics are currently 12-8 on the road. Taking care of business in Atlanta tomorrow is the next step in proving this veteran group can survive and thrive while waiting for Tatum's eventual return.