Anfernee Simons scores 21 points in a Celtics win over the Trail Blazers, who lost Avdija to back strain.

Anfernee Simons is proving his value to the Boston Celtics ahead of their game against the Portland Trail Blazers, scoring 21 points in 28 minutes despite back-to-back games. The guard, acquired in a July 2025 trade for Jrue Holiday, averages 13.9 points and remains under contract through 2026-27. Boston, 4-1 in its last five, enters a homestand with Jaylen Brown leading the team. Holiday returns from a calf strain with a minutes restriction. Portland, 9-3 in 2026, lost to Toronto while missing leading scorer Deni Avdija, sidelined by a lower back strain. The teams meet again Monday, following a December 28 Portland win where Shaedon Sharpe scored 26 points and Avdija recorded a triple-double.