The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics renew one of sports’ most iconic rivalries at TD Garden on December 5, 2025, but this chapter comes with a twist. Instead of headlining stars, the buildup revolves around who might not be available. Both teams limp into the matchup following emotionally charged performances, L.A. escaping Toronto on a buzzer-beater and Boston grinding through a recent upswing, setting the stage for a tense, depth-driven showdown.With rosters thinned on both sides, the matchup transforms into a test of adaptability, coaching adjustments, and second-unit resilience. Fireworks remain possible, but so does a gritty, low-glamour battle shaped by game-time decisions and unpredictable availability.
Los Angeles Lakers Injury Report vs the Boston Celtics (December 5, 2025)
The Los Angeles Lakers’ injury concerns headline the storyline. Luka Doncic will miss his second consecutive game due to personal reasons as he remains in Slovenia for the birth of his second child, removing a massive offensive engine from the lineup after averaging 35.3 points per game. Marcus Smart is also sidelined with ongoing back trouble, listed across reports as either out or a game-time call, further thinning an already stretched guard rotation.LeBron James’ status adds even more uncertainty. The 40-year-old, dealing with sciatica that already cost him 14 games, remains doubtful and has recently struggled to reach double figures, something he hasn’t consistently faced since the 2006-07 season. Despite these setbacks, coach JJ Redick has excelled in back-to-back scenarios, posting an 11–7 ATS record and a 6-4 mark on the road.Austin Reaves has embraced the spotlight, averaging nearly 29 points in Doncic’s absence, while Deandre Ayton continues to stabilise the interior with 15.8 points and 8.6 rebounds. Reaves stepping into a Luka-sized role brings unpredictability but also a spark the Los Angeles Lakers desperately need.
Boston Celtics Injury Report vs the Los Angeles Lakers (December 5, 2025)
Boston Celtics enter without franchise cornerstone Jayson Tatum, who remains out long-term following Achilles surgery with no firm timeline for a return this season. Jaylen Brown returns from a one-game illness but remains day-to-day, clouding expectations for the league’s fifth-leading scorer at 29 points per game. Derrick White, averaging 17 points and 5.3 assists, is expected to be fully available and will play a pivotal stabilizing role.The Boston Celtics’ depth could shine, with Payton Pritchard (17.3 points, 2.7 threes) and Neemias Queta (10.1 points, 8.2 rebounds) positioned for expanded opportunities. Boston also carries historical weight, leading the regular-season series 167–135 since 1948.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics Betting Outlook and Game Dynamics (December 5, 2025)
Boston opens as a 6.5-7.5 point favourite with a 225.5 total. The Lakers’ absences have pushed the over to a 5-0 trend in games without Doncic. With neither team submitting official injury reports at the early deadline, last-minute decisions for stars like James and Brown could swing the tone of the night.Also read: Is LeBron James playing tonight vs the Boston Celtics? Latest update on the Los Angeles Lakers star’s injury report (December 5, 2025)What fans may ultimately get is a role-player slugfest, Reaves vs. White, depth vs. depth, in a scrappy twist on a rivalry built on legends. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime.
About the Author
