The 32-18 Celtics will be hosting the 31-17 Rockets tonight at 8 PM EST.
The Rockets are currently –198 favorites on the Moneyline at DraftKings Sportsbook, with the point total set to 213.5. Below, I’ll break down tonight’s matchup and offer my prediction.
Houston Rockets vs. Boston Celtics preview, prediction
We have to commend how good the Celtics have looked this season without their best player. They’re effectively playing with house money at this point, banging off 32 wins with just 18 losses while being tied for the second seed in the East. It speaks volumes to the quality of their organization from top to bottom that they’re able to elevate their role players like this. Jaylen Brown’s exceptional play this season cannot be understated either, with the All-Star putting up a career-high 29.5 PPG while leading the league in FGA. He’s been the center of the Celtics’ offense and looks like a viable first option. The Celtics have managed to make something out of nothing, even amidst a down year for Derrick White, whose 39% shooting from the floor is by far a career-low. He’s connecting on only 32% of his shots from deep, and while his shot volume has increased, it hasn’t come with his usual efficiency. The Celtics currently hold the second-highest offensive rating in the league and the 11th highest defensive-rating. They’re tied for second in net rating this season.
The Houston Rockets have also looked good, despite losing Fred VanVleet. Kevin Durant is a plug-and-play superstar who’s capable of holding his own on the defensive end while being undeniable on offense. He’s plugged a hole in the Rockets’ issues in half-court offense, and is putting up 26.2 PPG on .51/.40/.89 shooting splits, elite marks for an elite player. The Rockets are currently fifth in offensive rating, fourth in defensive rating, and fifth in net rating. But there are some question marks for this team’s postseason viability. Amen Thompson is a tremendous athlete but his fit as a primary ball handler is dubious at best, at least right now. The Rockets may make a move for a floor general before the NBA trade deadline to address this hole in their roster due to the VanVleet injury. They’re in contention mode with an aging Durant on their roster.
Rockets vs. Celtics pick, best bet
Best bet: HOU Rockets -4.5
These teams have faced off already this season, with the Rockets walking away with a 128-101 victory in Boston. Durant is listed as Probable for tonight and should be able to go. I’m also assuming that Alperen Sengun has a bit more in store for us after his All-Star omission, after which he dropped a massive double-double with 39 points and 16 rebounds while shooting 52% from the floor. I’m confident in the Rockets covering this spread tonight, especially after how their last meeting went.
