The Boston Celtics face the Washington Wizards on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Capital One Arena, with both teams dealing with major absences. Jaylen Brown is doubtful for Boston due to illness, while Washington’s rookie standout Alex Sarr will miss his third straight game with adductor soreness.
Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. ET, and fans can catch the game on NBC Sports Boston and MNMT. The matchup marks the second meeting of the season between these two Eastern Conference teams, with Boston previously taking a dominant win at home in early November.
Boston Celtics Injury Report and Jaylen Brown Status
The Celtics enter Thursday night with a 12-9 record after defeating the New York Knicks earlier this week. However, they’ll be without two of their biggest stars. Jayson Tatum remains sidelined for the season following Achilles surgery, and Jaylen Brown has been listed as doubtful due to a non-COVID illness.
Brown’s absence will mark his first missed game of the season. In his last outing, he scored 42 points against the Knicks, highlighting how crucial his role has become in the Celtics’ offensive structure. Without him, Boston will likely turn to Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Sam Hauser for scoring duties, while Anfernee Simons could see more minutes off the bench.
Head coach Joe Mazzulla may also rely on Boston’s defensive depth to counterbalance the loss of firepower, as the Celtics continue to boast one of the league’s top defensive ratings even without Brown on the court.
Washington Wizards Injury Report and Alex Sarr’s Absence
For the Wizards, the injury report remains long. Alex Sarr will miss his third consecutive game due to adductor soreness, while Bilal Coulibaly (oblique strain) is expected to be out for multiple weeks. Sharife Cooper (calf), Tre Jones (hip), and Corey Kispert (thumb) are also sidelined.
In Sarr’s absence, Marvin Bagley III is projected to start at center, and Tristan Vukcevic will continue to play extended minutes off the bench. The Wizards have struggled without their rookie big man, whose 19.1 points per game have been a bright spot for a team sitting at 3-17. Without Sarr and Coulibaly, Washington’s offensive efficiency has dropped sharply, leaving CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton to shoulder the scoring load.
How to Watch Celtics vs Wizards
The game will tip off at 7:00 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Boston and MNMT. For streaming, viewers can watch via Fubo or the NBC Sports app. Radio coverage will also be available through local affiliates for both teams.
Boston looks to extend its win streak despite missing two key starters, while Washington will attempt to end its recent skid with a depleted rotation. The Wizards’ defense will need to slow down Boston’s pace, but the Celtics’ depth and defense give them the edge in this matchup.
Game Preview and Prediction
Boston enters as the clear favorite, boasting an elite defensive unit even with Brown sidelined. Payton Pritchard and Derrick White are expected to lead the scoring charge. The Wizards, meanwhile, are still adjusting to injuries and have lost eight of their last ten games.
Given the circumstances, the Celtics should handle the matchup comfortably, though scoring may dip without Brown. Expect a slower, defensive contest that stays below the average NBA scoring line.
Prediction: Celtics 110, Wizards 98.
FYI (keeping you in the loop)-
Q1: What channel is the Celtics vs Wizards game on tonight?
The Celtics vs Wizards game airs on NBC Sports Boston and MNMT at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Q2: Will Jaylen Brown play against the Wizards?
No. Jaylen Brown is listed as doubtful with an illness and expected to miss the game.
Q3: Is Alex Sarr playing tonight for the Wizards?
No. Alex Sarr is out for his third straight game due to adductor soreness.
Q4: What are the Wizards’ other injuries?
Bilal Coulibaly, Sharife Cooper, Tre Jones, and Corey Kispert are all out for Thursday’s game.
Q5: Where is the Celtics vs Wizards game being played?
The game will take place at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
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