Match Day in Boston: Celtics Host Bucks in Sunday Matinee at the Garden

High-Stakes Basketball at TD Garden

The city of Boston is buzzing this Sunday, February 1, 2026, as one of the most significant rivalries in the NBA's Eastern Conference takes center stage at North Station. Fans are descending upon TD Garden for a high-stakes matinee matchup that is expected to have major implications for the playoff standings as the season progresses into its second half.

The Main Event: Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks

The Boston Celtics are set to host the Milwaukee Bucks in a clash of titans today. This game is a marquee event on the NBA calendar and is being celebrated at the arena as "Pioneers Day." This special theme honors the trailblazers of the sport while providing a platform for the superstars of the current era to showcase their talent on a national stage.

The Celtics enter today's contest looking to defend their home court and maintain their momentum in the Atlantic Division. Facing a resilient Milwaukee squad, the Green will need to rely on their defensive intensity and perimeter shooting to secure a victory against a direct conference rival.

Match Day Essentials

If you are planning to attend the game or follow along with the action, here are the key details for today’s professional sports schedule in the city:

• Matchup: Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks
• Venue: TD Garden, Boston, MA
• Tip-off Time: 3:30 PM EST
• Event Theme: Pioneers Day

What to Watch For

Basketball analysts expect a physical, playoff-style atmosphere this afternoon. All eyes will be on the matchup in the paint, where the Celtics' versatile frontcourt will be challenged by Milwaukee's size and strength. Ball movement and the performance of the bench units will likely be the deciding factors in what is projected to be a close game. With a 3:30 PM start, the bars and restaurants around the West End are already filling up with fans in green and white.

Regional Sports Context

While the Celtics are the only major professional team playing within the city limits of Boston today, it is a historic day for the region's sports fans. The Boston Bruins are also in action this evening, though they are away from home participating in the NHL Stadium Series. The Bruins are facing the Tampa Bay Lightning in a massive outdoor game in Florida. Additionally, the city is still riding the wave of the New England Patriots' recent AFC Championship win as the team prepares for their Super Bowl appearance next weekend.

For those heading to the Garden, local officials suggest using public transportation to avoid heavy Sunday traffic around Causeway Street. Whether you are inside the arena or watching at a local spot, it is a premier day for Boston sports.