Boston Celtics vs Houston Rockets Prediction and Betting Tips | Jan. 3, 2025

The Boston Celtics take on the Houston Rockets on short rest on Friday. Jayson Tatum and Co., who beat the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, will look to stay unbeaten in their four-game road trip. Jrue Holiday and Derrick White are ready to help Tatum carry the defending champs.

Meanwhile, Ime Udoka gets his first look at his former team when the Celtics visit the Toyota Center. Houston, coming off a 110-99 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, will rely on Alperen Sengun, Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks.

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Boston Celtics vs Houston Rockets Preview, Prediction, Starting Lineups and Betting Tips

Toyota Center in Houston will host the Celtics-Rockets showdown. Fans can stream the action live by subscribing to the NBA League Pass.

Moneyline: Celtics (-140) vs. Rockets (+120)

Odds: Celtics (-2.5) vs. Rockets (+2.5)

Total (O/U): Celtics (o221.0 -110) vs. Rockets (u221.0 -110)

Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

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Boston Celtics vs Houston Rockets preview

The Boston Celtics offense, second in the NBA in offensive rating, will be tested against the Houston Rockets. A well-rested Rockets, second in the league in defensive rating, could put the lid on the Celtics, who will play the second night of a back-to-back set.

The Rockets will miss Amen Thompson, one of its best defenders, due to suspension. Tari Eason is also unlikely to play due to lower leg injury management. Boston could take advantage of their injuries to beat the hosts.

The Celtics are 12-3 away from TD Garden, second-best in the NBA. Boston’s defense is no slouch, as it's eighth in defensive rating and gives up just 109.1 points per game. The short rest might become a big issue, particularly if Kristaps Porzingis and Jaylen Brown continue to sit out due to injuries.

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Boston Celtics vs Houston Rockets predicted starting lineups

Celtics

PG: Derrick White | PG: Jrue Holiday | SF: Sam Hauser | PF: Jayson Tatum | C: Kristaps Porzingis

Rockets

PG: Fred VanVleet | SG: Jalen Green | SF: Dillon Brooks | PF: Jabari Smith Jr. | C: Alperen Sengun

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Boston Celtics vs Houston Rockets betting tips

Alperen Sengun could feast on a possibly thin Celtics frontline. Al Horford likely rests the second day of a back-to-back set, while Kristaps Porzingis hasn’t played the last four games due to an ankle injury.

The emerging Rockets star is averaging 26.3 points on 60.0% shooting in his last games and could top his 20.5 (O/U) points prop.

Jayson Tatum is averaging 27.5 PPG in December and just dropped 33 on the Minnesota Timberwolves. The short rest, though, and Houston’s elite defense could prevent him from hitting over 28 points.

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Boston Celtics vs Houston Rockets prediction

Boston’s unfavorable schedule could matter in the end, particularly in a close game. After a tightly contested win against the Timberwolves, the Celtics could face the Rockets without Jaylen Brown. Houston could defend its home court against the defending champs on Friday.