Celtics
Published: Jan. 01, 2026, 12:36 p.m.
Raptors Celtics Basketball
Boston Celtics' Chris Boucher drive to the basket during a preseason NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)AP
Celtics big man Chris Boucher may be available for the first time in a week for Thursday’s game against the Sacramento Kings. The 32-year-old has been ruled out for the past three games for personal reasons but the team upgraded him to questionable for Thursday’s matchup at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento. Jayson Tatum (Achilles rehab) is the only other Celtic listed on the injury report.
Boucher has been out of Joe Mazzulla’s rotation since November. He has not appeared in a game since a win over the Magic on Nov. 23 with Boston leaning on smaller options in the frontcourt along with Luka Garza in the past week. Boucher is averaging 2.3 points and 2.3 rebounds in eight games this season. He signed a one-year contract for the veteran’s minimum back in August but has struggled with his shot (31 percent) in limited opportunities this year.
Boston is in the midst of a five-game road trip, having gone 2-1 overall including a win over the Jazz on Tuesday night in Salt Lake City. The Celtics will be facing a Kings squad on Thursday night that will be without a pair of starters in Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine.
The Kings have dropped two straight games and eight of their last ten overall. Boston and Sacramento tip off at 10 p.m. on Thursday night.
Brian covers the Celtics and NBA for MassLive.com. He has covered the Celtics since 2010 with previous stops at NBA.com, Bleacher Report and Boston.com. You can reach Brian at BRobb@masslive.com or on Twitter...more