The Boston Celtics enter their March 29, 2025, matchup against the San Antonio Spurs with a dominant 54-19 record, continuing to hold the top seed in the Eastern Conference and boasting one of the league’s most complete and balanced rosters. Despite being without superstar Jayson Tatum—who is sidelined with a left ankle sprain—the Celtics remain a formidable threat on both ends of the floor due to their elite depth, defensive identity, and veteran leadership. Jaylen Brown, averaging 24.2 points per game, steps into the primary scoring role in Tatum’s absence and has consistently delivered as a two-way force, using his strength and explosiveness to attack mismatches while guarding the opponent’s top perimeter option. Kristaps Porziņģis brings valuable interior scoring and rim protection, contributing 19.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game while spacing the floor with his outside shooting. Jrue Holiday and Derrick White form arguably the best defensive backcourt in the NBA, combining for over 9 assists, 3 steals, and plenty of deflections per night, while also shooting efficiently from beyond the arc and facilitating Boston’s halfcourt offense with poise. The Celtics average 117.2 points per game and rank top-five in both offensive and defensive efficiency, thanks to their ability to move the ball, execute in the clutch, and neutralize opposing star players with switch-heavy schemes and smart help defense. Al Horford and Sam Hauser offer vital bench contributions, with Horford’s veteran IQ anchoring second units and Hauser providing much-needed shooting, while Payton Pritchard and Luke Kornet round out one of the most reliable reserve units in the league.

Boston’s commitment to defensive pressure and unselfish offense has made them one of the most difficult teams to scheme against, and even in the absence of Tatum, they have the firepower and system in place to dismantle undermanned or inexperienced opponents like San Antonio. Their biggest area of concern in Tatum’s absence is late-game shot creation, but Brown has shown he can carry the offensive load when needed, and the Celtics often rely on spacing and quick ball movement to generate open looks rather than leaning on heavy isolation. Head coach Joe Mazzulla continues to emphasize physicality and accountability on the defensive end while encouraging pace and early offense, especially when playing against teams like the Spurs who rank near the bottom in transition defense. Boston has posted a respectable 21-13 record on the road and consistently covers the spread against teams with sub-.500 records, although they have been slightly less reliable as heavy favorites, particularly when favored by more than 8 points. Against San Antonio, the Celtics will aim to set the tone early, build a lead through defensive stops and quick-strike offense, and avoid playing down to their opponent’s level, something they’ve occasionally been guilty of in recent trap games. With the postseason approaching, every game matters for rhythm and health, and while they’ll rest Tatum cautiously, the Celtics remain focused on maintaining momentum, building chemistry with their full rotation, and locking in a statement win on the road to solidify their status as the East’s team to beat.