The Boston Celtics (25-9) travel to face off against the Houston Rockets (22-11) on Friday, January 3rd. This game will be played at Toyota Center in Houston and televised on NBCS. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Tip-off is set for 8:00 ET.

Celtics vs Rockets

The Celtics Are Coming Off A Win

Boston improved to 25-9 this season with a 118-115 win over the Timberwolves on Thursday. The Celtics were favored by 3 points, and the final score resulted in a push for those who backed Boston. The total points for the game were 233, exceeding the O/U line of 215.5 by 17.5 points.

After trailing 35-28 in the 1st quarter, Boston turned the game around by outscoring Minnesota 34-16 in the 2nd quarter. The Timberwolves fought back, winning the 3rd quarter 34-29, but the Celtics held a 91-85 lead going into the 4th. Minnesota edged Boston 30-27 in the final quarter, but the Celtics held on for the win.

The Rockets Are Coming Off A Win

With a 110-99 win over the Mavericks on Wednesday, the Rockets improved to 22-11 this season. Playing at home, Houston was favored by 4.5 points and covered the spread. The game’s total of 209 points fell short of the 221-point line.

A key moment came when the Rockets went on a 13-0 run, turning a 44-42 lead into 55-44. Houston took control by outscoring Dallas 37-22 in the 2nd quarter and led 89-75 going into the 4th, where they held off the Mavericks’ comeback attempt.

Celtics Offense Breakdown

The Celtics hit 22 threes at a 38.6% clip in their win over the Timberwolves, shooting 50% overall from the field. Jayson Tatum led the way with 33 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds, connecting on 6 threes despite shooting just 35.3% from deep.

Derrick White added 26 points, hitting 5 threes at a 50% rate, while Sam Hauser also knocked down 5 threes, finishing with 15 points. Tatum scored 16 points in the 3rd quarter, while White added 13 in the 4th.

Rockets Offense Breakdown

Alperen Sengün led the Rockets with 23 points and 6 rebounds in their 110-99 win over the Mavericks, shooting 56.2% from the field. Jalen Green added 22 points, while Dillon Brooks contributed 19 points, hitting 3 threes at 37.5%.

Houston shot 47.2% overall, but struggled from beyond the arc, making just 8 threes at 32%. Cam Whitmore scored 13 of his 18 points in the 2nd quarter, and Brooks added 8 points in both the 1st and 3rd quarters.

Celtics Team Defense

Despite a rough defensive start, giving up 35 points in the 1st quarter, the Celtics tightened up in the 2nd, holding the Timberwolves to just 16 points. However, Minnesota scored 34 in the 3rd and 30 in the 4th, finishing with 115 points on 50% shooting.

Boston struggled to defend the three, allowing the Timberwolves to hit 21 threes at a 53% clip. Minnesota also went 20/22 from the free-throw line. The Celtics gave up 11 offensive rebounds but recorded 9 steals and 4 blocks.

Rockets Team Defense

Despite giving up 115 points, the Celtics managed to secure a win against the Timberwolves. Boston’s defense shined in the 2nd quarter, allowing just 16 points, but struggled in the 1st and 3rd, giving up 35 and 34 points, respectively. Overall, Minnesota shot 50% from the field.

The Celtics had trouble defending the three, as the Timberwolves hit 21 threes at a 53% clip. Boston also sent Minnesota to the line 22 times, where they made 20 free throws. Defensively, the Celtics recorded 9 steals and 4 blocks.

Celtics vs Rockets Trends

• Through their last ten road contests, the Celtics offense has averaged 118 points per game while allowing an average of 107. Boston posted an overall record of 8-2 while going 4-5-1 ATS.
• Houston has played well in their previous five home games, going 4-1 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 113 points per game while allowing 107. The team also performed well vs the spread at 3-2.
• Through their last five games as the betting underdog, the Rockets have a strong record vs the spread going 3-2. Their straight up mark in these contests is 2-3.
• Through their previous three contests as the betting favorite, the Celtics have a strong record of 2-1. Their record vs the spread in these matchups is 1-1-1.

Celtics vs Rockets Prediction

Not only do we have the Celtics winning this one by a score of 141-121, but we see them covering the spread. Our pick is to grab the Celtics at -3.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 220.5, and our model predicts the Celtics and Rockets to score a combined 262 points. We recommend betting on the over.

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

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* 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.