Celtics Take on Shorthanded Warriors in Battle of NBA Heavyweights

Boston looks to continue strong play while Golden State deals with key injuries

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Boston Celtics (35-19), sitting second in the Eastern Conference, head to Chase Center to take on the injury-plagued Golden State Warriors (29-26) in a matchup of two of the NBA's top teams. The Celtics are riding high with a 7-3 record in their last 10 games, led by an MVP-caliber season from Jaylen Brown (29.3 PPG). Meanwhile, the Warriors are dealing with injuries to Stephen Curry and Kristaps Porzingis, among others, which has contributed to them losing four of their last six games. This game promises to be a battle of styles and efficiency, with the Celtics' stifling defense (100.2 points allowed over last 10 games) going up against the Warriors' high-powered offense (28.9 assists per game).

Why it matters

This matchup features two of the NBA's top teams, with the Celtics looking to continue their strong play and the Warriors trying to overcome key injuries. The outcome could have significant implications for the playoff race in both conferences, as the Celtics aim to solidify their position in the East and the Warriors look to stay in the mix in the West.

The details

The Celtics enter as slight 3.5 to 5.5-point favorites, with the Warriors dealing with a number of injuries. Boston has been led by an MVP-caliber season from Jaylen Brown, while the Warriors have relied on Brandin Podziemski to step up in the absence of Curry and Porzingis. Both teams love to shoot the three-pointer, with the Warriors making more threes than any other team this season.

  • The Celtics and Warriors will tip off at 10PM EST on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Jaylen Brown

The Celtics' star guard is having an MVP-level season, averaging 29.3 points per game.

Brandin Podziemski

The Warriors' guard has stepped up in the absence of Stephen Curry and Kristaps Porzingis, averaging 15.3 points per game over his last three contests.

Stephen Curry

The Warriors' star point guard is listed as out for Thursday's game due to a knee injury.

Kristaps Porzingis

The Warriors' big man is listed as questionable for Thursday's game due to an Achilles injury.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

This game features a clash of two of the NBA's top teams, with the Celtics looking to continue their strong play and the Warriors trying to overcome key injuries. The outcome could have significant implications for the playoff race in both conferences, as the Celtics aim to solidify their position in the East and the Warriors look to stay in the mix in the West.