The Rivalry Reignites
The storied rivalry between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics is set to reignite as they face off this Sunday night, bringing their historical contest to NBC and Peacock. This clash marks their second encounter this season, with Boston currently leading the series after dominating their last matchup in December, where they triumphed 126-105 at the TD Garden.
Key Performances
Jaylen Brown shined with an impressive 30-point performance in that game, while the Lakers’ Austin Reaves put up a game-high 36, although Los Angeles was missing key players like Luka Doncic and LeBron James due to personal and health-related issues, respectively.
Championship History
With an impressive 18 championships under their belts, the Celtics sit as the franchise with the most NBA titles, closely followed by the Lakers with 17. Historically, these two teams have clashed a remarkable 12 times in the NBA Finals, with Boston leading that series 9-3, including an undefeated record during their initial eight encounters. The last time the Lakers hoisted the championship trophy was in 2010 after a dramatic seven-game series.
Current Form and Player Updates
In preparation for the upcoming game at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, it’s noteworthy to highlight the Celtics’ current form. With a record of 36-19, they boast the second-best standing in the Eastern Conference, recently winning seven out of eight games. Brown, a five-time All-Star, has been crucial during the absence of Jayson Tatum, who has been sidelined following an Achilles injury suffered in the previous season’s playoffs. Tatum has been working towards a return, practicing with Boston’s G League team and attending most games, which has allowed him to gain perspective on the game and his teammates’ development.
Lakers’ Aspirations
As for the Lakers, they are determined to solidify their playoff aspirations, although they find themselves needing to improve defensively, placing in the lower half of the league in both defensive rating and points allowed per game. Their bench has also struggled offensively, trailing only Houston in terms of points scored by non-starters. However, they have proven resilient in close games, holding a 15-3 record in matches decided by a five-point margin in the final critical moments. Despite the injuries to their star players and limited time together, the Lakers are on a trajectory that could lead to a successful season, especially following recent roster enhancements with players like Luke Kennard and Gabe Vincent.
How to Watch
Fans looking to catch the action can tune in to NBC or stream via Peacock. The game is scheduled for Sunday, February 22, at 6:30 p.m. ET. For those interested in following the NBA closely, Peacock will be offering a range of games throughout the 2025-2026 season, featuring 100 live regular-season broadcasts.
To stay updated on how to view the game and access future NBA events on NBC and Peacock, visit their website for detailed schedules and signing up information. This Sunday promises to be a thrilling display of basketball history as two of the league’s most iconic teams battle on the court.
