Celtics Struggle Amid Recent Losing Streak, Visit Mavericks

The Boston Celtics are struggling to maintain consistency, having lost to the Los Angeles Lakers 117-96, marking their largest defeat of the season. With a record of 31-14, the Celtics have experienced a decline, going 12-10 over the past seven weeks and scoring under 100 points in four games since the start of 2025. Key players such as Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are facing shooting slumps, contributing to the team's offensive woes, particularly in January where they rank 28th in offense. Coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized the importance of team cohesion amidst these challenges as the Celtics aim to navigate their current rough patch without losing their playoff positioning. Despite their struggles, the Celtics remain second in the Eastern Conference, aided by the inconsistent performance of rival teams like the New York Knicks. As they prepare for a matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, the Celtics hope to bounce back and stabilize their performance ahead of the All-Star break.