Celtics Look to Bounce Back Against Thunder in Potential Finals Preview

The reigning NBA champions are 6.5-point favorites as they visit Oklahoma City in a battle of two of the league's top contenders.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 3:26pm

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The Boston Celtics, who are coming off a loss to the San Antonio Spurs, will visit the Oklahoma City Thunder in a potential 2026 NBA Finals preview. The Thunder, led by MVP favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are the current betting favorites to win the title, while the Celtics have the second- or third-shortest odds depending on the sportsbook. This matchup features two of the league's top contenders as they look to gain an edge ahead of the postseason.

Why it matters

This game is a highly anticipated matchup between two of the NBA's best teams and could provide a preview of a potential Finals showdown. The outcome could impact the playoff seeding and momentum for both squads as they gear up for the postseason.

The details

The Celtics are 6.5-point favorites as they look to bounce back from their loss to the Spurs. Boston has had an outstanding season both with and without star Jayson Tatum, while the Thunder have emerged as the clear favorites to win their second straight title behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP-caliber season.

  • The game tips off at 9:30 p.m. ET on March 12, 2026.
  • The Celtics are coming off a loss to the Spurs on March 10, 2026.

The players

Jayson Tatum

Star player for the Boston Celtics.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

MVP favorite and leader of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

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What they’re saying

“This is a potential Finals preview that has major implications for the playoff race. Both teams are looking to make a statement and gain an edge heading into the postseason.”

— Tyler Everett, Sportswriter

What’s next

The outcome of this game could impact the playoff seeding and momentum for both the Celtics and Thunder as they prepare for the postseason.

The takeaway

This matchup between the Celtics and Thunder features two of the NBA's top contenders and could provide a preview of a potential Finals showdown. The game has major implications for the playoff race, and both teams will be looking to make a statement and gain an edge heading into the postseason.