Boston Celtics (25-9) vs. Houston Rockets (22-11)
January 3, 2025 8:00 pm EDT
The Line: Houston Rockets +2.5; Over/Under: +219.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The New York Liberty and Houston Rockets meet Friday in NBA action at the Toyota Center. Here’s a Houston Rockets vs Boston Celtics Prediction. This article will include a Houston Rockets vs Boston Celtics Pick.
Boston Celtics Betting Preview
The Boston Celtics beat the Raptors and Timberwolves, and play the Thunder, Nuggets, and Kings next. The Boston Celtics are averaging 119.7 points on 46 percent shooting and allowing 108.9 points on 45.4 percent shooting. Jayson Tatum is averaging 28.3 points and 9.5 rebounds, while Jaylen Brown is averaging 24.4 points and 6 rebounds. Kristaps Porzingis is the third double-digit scorer and Derrick White is grabbing 4.6 rebounds. The Boston Celtics are shooting 36.8 percent from beyond the arc and 79.1 percent from the free throw line. The Boston Celtics are allowing 34.9 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 45.5 rebounds per game.
Houston Rockets Betting Preview
The Houston Rockets lost to the Heat, beat the Mavericks, and they play the Lakers, Wizards, and Grizzlies next. The Houston Rockets are averaging 112.9 points on 44.3 percent shooting and allowing 106.4 points on 43.9 percent shooting. Jalen Green is averaging 19.4 points and 4.5 rebounds, while Alperen Sengun is averaging 19.1 points and 10.7 rebounds. Fred VanVleet is the third double-digit scorer and Dillon Brooks is grabbing 4 rebounds. The Houston Rockets are shooting 32.7 percent from beyond the arc and 76.9 percent from the free-throw line. The Houston Rockets are allowing 34.9 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 49.3 rebounds per game.
Houston Rockets vs Boston Celtics Injury Report
Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, and Anton Watson are questionable for the Celtics. Brown is dealing with a shoulder injury, and Porzingis is still bothered by an ankle injury. Of course, neither star player played last night against the Timberwolves.
Tari Eason and Jock Lansdale are questionable for the Rockets. The Rockets also won’t have Amen Thompson due to suspension after his scuffle with Tyler Herro earlier this week.
Why the Houston Rockets will win
- The Rockets have won each of their last four games as underdogs when playing with a rest advantage.
- The Celtics have lost eight of their last nine games at Toyota Center following a win.
- The Celtics have failed to cover the spread in each of their last 10 games following a win.
- The Rockets have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games when playing with a rest advantage.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Celtics’ last eight road games against Southwest Division opponents has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Eight of the Rockets’ last nine games against the Celtics following a home win have gone UNDER the total points line.
Houston Rockets vs Boston Celtics Prediction
This line makes absolutely no sense to me. The Celtics are still dealing with injuries to Brown and Porzingis, and they’re on the end of a back-to-back. Spots like this are brutal for undermanned teams. Guys are already doing more given their absence, and now they have to play again with no rest. The Houston Rockets are 12-5 SU at home this season, and they’re a profitable 20-13 for NBA bettors.
This is also a statement game for a young Rockets side that’s still trying to prove they can be a sneaky title contender. Games against the Celtics, Thunder, and a few others are contests the Rockets should get up for. I expect some energy in the building. Give me the bucket with the Rockets, a game I kind of expect them to win outright with the rest advantage.
