The Houston Rockets (30-14) visit the TD Garden to face the Boston Celtics (32-14) in a clash of second-place teams from their respective conferences. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM ET. Both teams have been playing at a high level, with Houston thriving on the road and Boston maintaining its dominance at home.
This is the second meeting between the teams this season. The Celtics took the first game in Houston on January 3, winning 109-86 behind a team-high 23 points from Derrick White. Houston struggled offensively in that matchup, shooting just 36.4% from the field, but they’ll look to flip the script with improved form and contributions from rising star Amen Thompson.
Rockets Preview – Momentum on the Road
The Rockets have been one of the league’s best road teams, going 15-6 away from home this season and 9-1 in their last 10 road games. They’re coming off a thrilling 135-131 victory over Cleveland on Saturday, fueled by Amen Thompson’s triple-double performance. The rookie forward posted 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists and has emerged as a key two-way player for Houston.
Jalen Green continues to lead the Rockets’ scoring attack, averaging 22.8 points per game. Alperen Sengun has been a consistent force in the paint, contributing 19.6 points and 9.4 rebounds per contest. With Thompson stepping up and the supporting cast finding their rhythm, the Rockets’ offense has been difficult to contain in recent weeks.
Defensively, Houston relies on its length and versatility, with Thompson often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s top threats. Limiting Boston’s three-point shooting and keeping the rebounding battle close will be critical for the Rockets to have a chance to upset the Celtics on their home floor.
Celtics Preview – A Balanced Attack
The Celtics returned home from a successful road trip that ended with a 122-107 win over Dallas. Derrick White broke out of a recent shooting slump, scoring 23 points and hitting four three-pointers. White’s scoring complements Boston’s dynamic duo of Jayson Tatum (28.5 points per game) and Jaylen Brown (26.4 points per game), giving the team one of the most well-rounded starting lineups in the league.
Kristaps Porzingis continues to anchor the paint, providing scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking. With Jrue Holiday running the offense and providing elite perimeter defense, Boston has shown they can win games in a variety of ways. The Celtics rank sixth in defensive efficiency, allowing just 108.3 points per game, and they’ll look to stifle Houston’s fast-paced offense.
Boston is 17-6 at TD Garden this season and will aim to maintain their strong home record. With all their key players healthy and performing, the Celtics are tough to beat, especially when their bench players like Payton Pritchard contribute effectively.
Betting Prediction
Boston enters as a 6.5-point favorite, with the total set at 221.5. While the Celtics dominated the first meeting, the Rockets have been in excellent form on the road. Houston’s improved play and Amen Thompson’s emergence give them a chance to keep this game competitive. However, Boston’s balanced attack and defensive consistency make them the safer pick at home.
Projected final score: Boston 112, Houston 105. The Celtics should cover the spread, with the game staying under the total as both defenses tighten up in the halfcourt.
Pick: Boston -6.5, Under 221.5
