NBA: Houston Rockets vs. Boston Celtics preview, prediction

NBA: Houston Rockets vs. Boston Celtics preview, prediction

In a matchup between the No. 2 teams in each conference, the Houston Rockets (30-14) will take on the host Boston Celtics (32-14) on Monday night at 7:30 p.m. (ET). 

Rockets head coach Ime Udoka returns to Boston, where he coached from 2021-23 before being suspended in September 2022 for violating team policies. Udoka was permanently replaced by assistant coach Joe Mazzulla during the mid-season of that campaign. 

Mazzula captured his first NBA title last season, while Udoka has rebuilt the Rockets into a viable Western Conference contender. 

In the first matchup this season, the Celtics cruised to a 109-86 victory at the Rockets on Jan. 3. 

HOU @ BOS Odds

Derrick White led the way for Boston with 23 points. Jayson Tatum and Payton Prichard each finished with 20 points. Jalen Green scored a game-high 27 points in the loss.

However currently the Rockets are rolling after back-to-back victories against the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have the best record in the NBA. 

In the 135-131 victory on Jan. 25,  four of the Rockets’ five starters registered at least 20 points. Green and Alperen Segun both had 26 points. Amen Thompson tallied a triple double with 23 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists, two blocks and a steal. Fred VanVleet contributed 20 points and six assists. 

Green, who leads the Rockets in scoring (21.4 points), is in strong position to be selected for his first All-Star berth as a reserve. Sengun (19.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals) is also having an All-Star worthy season. 

Anchored by Sengun, the Rockets lead the NBA in rebounds per game (48.4). The aggressive Rockets are fifth in free throws attempted per game (23.6) but shoot the fourth worst percentage (75.3). 

Jabari Smith Jr. (hand) is out for the Rockets. 

The Celtics bounced back from their road loss at the Los Angeles Lakers with a 122-107 win against the Dallas Mavericks on Jan. 25. 

Tatum paced the Celtics with 24 points and six rebounds. White had 23 points. Jaylen Brown finished with 22 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. 

Tatum is averaging 27.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.3 steals en route to being selected as a starter for the East All-Star team. Brown is a worthy candidate for the reserves. The 2024 Finals MVP is averaging 23.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.3 steals. 

The Celtics are the most balanced team in the league. Boston is fourth in points scored (117.3) while also being fifth in fewest points allowed (108.3). The Celtics are third in points differential (+8.9). 

The total is set at 222.5 at ESPN BET. The Celtics are favored by 6.5 points. The moneyline is +215 for the Rockets and -260 for the Celtics. 

In a tight contest, the Rockets will cover the spread and defeat the Celtics.

PICK: ROCKETS +6.5

Updated on 2/17/25

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