Boston Celtics vs. Phoenix Suns: Can Boston Rebound or Will Phoenix End Their Skid?

Boston Celtics vs. Phoenix Suns: Clash at TD Garden on April 4

Get ready for an electrifying showdown as the Boston Celtics (56-20) welcome the Phoenix Suns (35-41) to the legendary TD Garden on Friday night, April 4, 2025. With the NBA playoffs fast approaching, every game counts, and this one promises plenty of action, even if the two teams are on opposite ends of the standings.

Can the Celtics Bounce Back After Their Home Loss?

Boston has been nothing short of dominant this season, but they just had their impressive winning streak snapped at home by the Miami Heat. That loss stung, no doubt. Now, the Celtics are looking to regroup and reassert their dominance against a struggling Suns squad. Given the gap in records and the fact that Phoenix has been on a downward spiral, this should be a comfortable win for Boston—at least on paper.

However, as we saw in the Miami game, no victory is guaranteed. A subpar performance can turn any game into a surprising upset, and the Celtics will need to avoid falling into that trap. With just a handful of games left in the regular season, they can’t afford to get complacent, especially with seeding implications still in play.

The Suns' Struggles: A Four-Game Losing Streak and Injury Woes

Meanwhile, things have been rough for Phoenix. They’re on a four-game losing streak, and to make matters worse, one of their key superstars, Kevin Durant, is out with an ankle injury. His absence leaves a gaping hole in their lineup, making their road to the playoffs even more difficult.

With Durant sidelined, the Suns will have to lean heavily on Devin Booker to carry the load. But can he do it alone? Phoenix's supporting cast will need to step up big time if they want to have any shot at breaking their losing streak against a powerhouse like Boston.

Injury Report: Who’s In and Who’s Out?

Injuries could play a big role in shaping the outcome of this contest. Here’s the latest on both teams:

Boston Celtics:

• Jaylen Brown (knee) – Questionable

Phoenix Suns:

• Kevin Durant (ankle) – Out

Brown’s availability could be a deciding factor for the Celtics. While Boston still boasts a deep roster, missing one of their primary offensive weapons could make things a little more interesting. Keep an eye on his status leading up to tipoff.

Expected Starting Lineups

Even with injuries, both teams still have plenty of talent to showcase. Here’s who we expect to see in the starting five for each squad:

Boston Celtics:

• Derrick White (Reliable on both ends of the floor)

• Jrue Holiday (A defensive juggernaut)

• Jaylen Brown (If he plays, a key scoring option)

• Jayson Tatum (Boston’s superstar and MVP candidate)

• Kristaps Porzingis (A matchup nightmare in the paint)

Phoenix Suns:

• Devin Booker (The team’s offensive heartbeat)

• Collin Gillespie (A chance to step up in a big game)

• Grayson Allen (A three-point threat)

• Ryan Dunn (Providing defensive energy)

• Nick Richards (Looking to hold his own in the paint)

What to Watch For

1. Tatum’s Dominance – Can Jayson Tatum take over and put on a show at home? With Durant out, he’ll be the undisputed best player on the floor.

2. Booker vs. Boston’s Defense – Devin Booker is an elite scorer, but he’ll have to work hard against Boston’s relentless defenders like Jrue Holiday and Derrick White.

3. Porzingis’ Impact Inside – The Celtics have an advantage in the paint, and Kristaps Porzingis could have a big night against Phoenix’s frontcourt.

4. Boston’s Bench Production – If Jaylen Brown sits out, the Celtics’ depth will be tested. Can guys like Al Horford and Sam Hauser step up?

5. Phoenix’s Desperation – The Suns are desperate to break their losing streak. Will that urgency make them a dangerous underdog?

How to Watch or Stream the Game

Don’t miss a second of the action! Here’s how you can tune in:

• Date: Friday, April 4, 2025

• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

• TV Channel: NBC Sports Boston

With playoff seeding on the line for the Celtics and pride on the line for the Suns, this game is more than just another regular-season contest. Will Boston take care of business at home, or can Phoenix pull off a shocking upset? Tune in and find out!