NBA & PBA New Year Games: Celtics, Lakers Picks & Semis Preview (Jan 1–4)

The calendar flips to 2026 with basketball taking center stage on both sides of the Pacific. The NBA’s New Year stretch delivers marquee matchups, while the PBA Philippine Cup tightens to its most intense stage with the semifinals underway.

This weekly breakdown covers key NBA games, local PBA action, injury updates, and two betting angles worth watching from January 1 to January 4.

NBA Game Watchlist: Opening the Year Strong

New Year’s Day belongs to the NBA. Several high-profile clashes headline the first slate of 2026, each with clear betting narratives.

Featured NBA Matchups

• Boston Celtics vs. Sacramento Kings (Jan 1)
  Boston’s perimeter-heavy attack faces a Sacramento squad that prefers speed and early offense. The Celtics’ spacing creates problems for teams that struggle defending the arc, especially on neutral rest.

• Philadelphia 76ers vs. Dallas Mavericks (Jan 1)
  A tempo-driven matchup. When Philadelphia controls pace and forces half-court sets, they gain a clear edge. Dallas thrives when games turn chaotic and transition-heavy.

• Los Angeles Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies (Jan 4)
  This matchup closes the week with contrasting styles. Memphis brings athletic pressure and speed, while the Lakers rely on execution and experience. Transition defense will decide the outcome.

PBA Spotlight: Semifinal Pressure Ramps Up

Only four teams remain in the Philippine Cup, and every possession now carries weight. The semifinal round begins with contrasting matchups in both style and roster depth.

Semifinal Pairings to Know

• San Miguel Beermen (1) vs. TNT Tropang Giga (4)
  San Miguel enters rested after a dominant quarterfinal run. TNT’s defense is physical, but sustaining that intensity against a deeper Beermen rotation will be the challenge.

  • Key Duel: June Mar Fajardo vs. Poy Erram
    Early foul trouble could swing momentum quickly in San Miguel’s favor.

• Barangay Ginebra (6) vs. Rain or Shine (2)
  Ginebra arrives battle-tested after surviving elimination pressure. Rain or Shine relies on system discipline and perimeter shooting.

  • X-Factor: Scottie Thompson
    His rebounding output has increased in the postseason, making his player props worth tracking.

Injury Watch: Start-of-Year Status Check

The tight holiday schedule always raises fatigue concerns. Here’s a snapshot of notable player availability entering the week:

Betting Outlook: New Year Value Plays

With injuries and scheduling factored in, two matchups stand out as early-week opportunities.

NBA Pick: Celtics vs. Kings (Jan 1)

• Side: Celtics -5.5

• Why: Boston ranks among the league leaders in three-point efficiency, while Sacramento continues to struggle defending perimeter volume.

• Player Angle: Jayson Tatum over 28.5 points
  Tatum historically performs well in nationally spotlighted games, especially early-season and holiday slates.

PBA Pick: San Miguel vs. TNT (Semis – Game 1)

• Side: San Miguel to win

• Why: The Beermen are better rested, deeper, and face a TNT squad coming off a physically draining series.

Final Thoughts Before Tip-Off

The opening days of 2026 offer a rare overlap of NBA marquee games and high-stakes PBA playoff basketball. Managing injuries, rest, and matchups will be key for bettors navigating the week.

For those tracking odds, props, and live-action opportunities, you can follow basketball markets and game options on AGILACLUB as the New Year action unfolds.