NBA: Boston Celtics vs Houston Rockets Prediction 1/21/2024

NBA: Boston Celtics vs Houston Rockets Prediction 1/21/2024

The Boston Celtics (32-10) travel to face off against the Houston Rockets (20-21) on Sunday, January 21st. This game will be played at Toyota Center in Houston and televised on NBCS. The Rockets are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Celtics are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Jazz. Tip-off is set for 7:00 ET.

Celtics vs Rockets

boston celtics nba

The Celtics Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

In their most recent game, the Celtics fell to the Nuggets by a score of 102-100. Going into the second half the Celtics held the lead at 61-55.

Overall, the Celtics are 32-10 this season and are 2-1 in their last three games. When playing at home, the Celtics are 20-1 compared to 12-9 on the road.

Boston has an overall ATS record of 20-20 for the season so far. The Celtics maintain an ATS record of 8-12 on the road, while they have a 12-8 record vs. the spread when playing at home.

The Rockets Are Coming Off A Win

Alperen Sengün scored 37 for Houston against the Jazz which was the most on the team. His field goal percentage for the game was 42.7%. Jabari Smith Jr. also contributed 24 points as the Rockets won by a score of 127-126 vs. the Jazz.

Heading into today’s game, the Rockets have an overall record of 20-21 and have gone 1-2 in their last three games. In the Western Conference, the Rockets are in 11th place and are currently 3rd in the Southwest division.

Houston possesses an ATS record of 21-19 for this season, including their ongoing seven game losing streak against the spread. During this season, Houston has a 9-4 record against the spread as favorites and 12-15 as underdogs.

Celtics Offense Breakdown

Leading up to today’s matchup, the Celtics are one of the NBA’s top offenses, averaging 120.4 points per game (4th).

When it comes to scoring, the Celtics are fourth in the NBA at 120.4 points per game. However, they have been slightly better at home (122.9 PPG) than on the road (118.0 PPG).

So far this season, Boston has outscored the NBA scoring average in 69% of their games. In terms of pace, they are 19th in the league at 98.6 possessions per game.

When it comes to three-point shooting, the Celtics lead the NBA in both three-pointers made (16.2 per game) and attempted (42.6 per game). Overall, they are 13th in field goal percentage (47%).

Rockets Offense Breakdown

houston rockets

Houston has recorded an average of 112.6 points per game (22nd) throughout 41 games games.

This season, the Rockets are averaging 112.6 points per game, which is 22nd in the NBA. At home, they are scoring 114.3 points per game.

In terms of pace, Houston is 17th in the league at 98.7 possessions per game. So far, they have outscored the NBA scoring average in 39% of their games.

When it comes to three-point shooting, the Rockets have hit 35% of their attempts, which is 26th in the NBA. Overall, they are 25th in field goal percentage at 46%.

Celtics Team Defense

On defense, the Celtics come into the game ranked 4th in the league in points allowed at 110.7 per game. Over their last three games, the team is allowing 98.7 points per contest (5th). When it comes to defending inside the arc, the Celtics squad is permitting opposing teams to shoot at a clip of 52.1% inside the arc, and they’re also giving up 34.9% from downtown.

Rockets Team Defense

So far, the Rockets defense is giving up 112.0 points per contest, which has them sitting 11th in the NBA. One thing to note, is they have given up more points than their season average in four straight matchups. Opponents are hitting 53.8% of their two-point field goal attempts this season, and they’re also connecting on 33.9% of their three-point attempts.

Key Players For The Celtics And Rockets

In today’s game, we anticipate Jayson Tatum leading the scoring for the Celtics, contributing 25 points while shooting 9/18 from the field. For the season, he has been averaging 26.9 points per game, in addition to 8.4 rebounds.

As for Houston, Jalen Green is projected to be the primary scorer for the Rockets. Our forecast has him finishing the game with 18, and adding 4 rebounds. This season, he is shooting at a field goal percentage of 39.8%, and his scoring average is 17.1 points per game.

Celtics vs Rockets Trends

  • Through their last five road games, Boston has an ATS record of just 2-3. However, their overall record was 2-3 while averaging 115 points per game.
  • Across the Rockets last ten home games, the team averaged 112 points per game while allowing 119. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 2-8, while going 3-7 straight-up.
  • Going back to their previous three games as the underdog, Houston has an ATS mark of 0-3 while going 0-3 straight up.
  • The Celtics have played well in their last three games as the betting favorite, going 2-1 straight up and 2-1 against the spread.

Celtics vs Rockets Prediction

When looking to get a point-spread pick down in this Celtics vs. Rockets game, our recommendation is to take the Rockets at +10.5. Despite our model showing the Celtics winning 118-115, we like Rockets as our point-spread pick.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 228, and our model projects the Celtics and Rockets to reach a combined total of 233 points. Our bet is on taking the over.


All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!


* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.