The Boston Celtics visit the Houston Rockets in a big-time game in the NBA on Wednesday. Both teams come into this game on three-game winning streaks, but only one of them can extend their winning streak with a victory here, as Ime Udoka leads the Rockets into battle against the team he used to coach. Here, I break down this matchup in the NBA and give you my Celtics vs Rockets prediction in what should be an interesting inter-conference game.
Our Celtics vs Rockets Pick
Pick: Rockets -5.5 ATS PRO
Confidence: 3/5
Game Snapshot
Matchup: Boston Celtics @ Houston Rockets
Date & Time: Wednesday, February 4, 8:00 PM ET
Venue: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas
Broadcast: NBA League Pass
Key Storylines
Availability is something to watch for Kevin Durant after a left ankle sprain kept him out of Monday’s game. His status will swing the number and Houston’s scoring ceiling in one direction or the other here.
Jayson Tatum remains out as he advances through Achilles rehab, so Boston’s attack runs through Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and a deep rotation of shooters. But the Celtics are on the second game of a back-to-back here, which could cause them some major problems in terms of fatigue.
Alperen Sengun’s recent play, including a 39-point showcase at Indiana, makes him an interesting matchup against a Celtics interior that just owned the glass against Milwaukee over the weekend.
Schedule spot favors Houston: Boston is on a back-to-back on the Texas two-step after beating the Dallas Mavericks last night, while Houston returns home rested.
Boston made waves in the trade market this week, dealing Anfernee Simons away in exchange for Bulls big man Nikola Vucevic. The Celtics had been relying on Neemias Queta as their primary big, and Vucevic gives them a more versatile option who can spread the floor and shoot from the outside.
Head-to-Head & Betting Trends
The Rockets defeated the Celtics in their first meeting of the season in Boston.
Houston is 22-26 against the spread so far this season.
Boston is 28-22 against the spread going into this matchup.
The under is 31-19 in Celtics games this year.
Houston games have gone under the total 26 times in 48 outings.
Celtics vs Rockets Model Projection
Score Projection: Boston 107 – Houston 117
Win Probability: Boston 42%, Houston 58%
Final Thoughts
With equal rest, we would probably see an evenly-matched contest between these teams with championship aspirations. But with the Celtics playing for the second night in a row, we should see Houston run away with this contest down the stretch. As long as Durant is able to play for Houston in this contest, we should see Houston win and cover the spread on their home floor here.
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