Houston Rockets vs Boston Celtics Prediction and Betting Tips | Jan. 27, 2025

The Houston Rockets continue a four-game road swing with a rematch with the Boston Celtics. Houston, which lost the first meeting 109-86, will look to avenge that loss at the home of the defending champs. After beating the Cleveland Cavaliers in back-to-back games, the Rockets will look to even their season series with the Celtics.

The Celtics have struggled since starting the season with a 21-5 record. After an impressive start, they have gone 11-9 since then. One of their impressive wins during their so-so stretch was against the Houston Rockets. Jayson Tatum and Co. will hope to repeat in the rematch with a home win on Monday.

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

TD Garden will host the Rockets-Celtics rematch. ESPN will air the game nationally, while fans can also stream the action by subscribing to the NBA League Pass.

Moneyline: Rockets (+210) vs. Celtics (-260)

Odds: Rockets (+6.5) vs. Celtics (-6.5)

Total (O/U): Rockets (o222.0 -110) vs. Celtics (u222.0 -110)

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

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Houston Rockets vs Boston Celtics preview

The Houston Rockets played well on both ends of the floor in back-to-back wins against the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are atop the Eastern Conference. Ime Udoka, a former Celtics coach, knows his team must sustain that performance to beat the defending champs.

In the loss to the Celtics, the Rockets allowed too many open 3-point shots, helping Boston to a sizzling 19-for-39 shooting from deep. Udoka’s team can’t afford the same mistake against the Cs, who can overwhelm opponents with their outside bombs.

The Boston Celtics beat the Rockets in their first season meeting without Jaylen Brown. Besides their superb shooting from deep, they suffocated Houston with their defense. Boston’s defense hasn’t been as good as last season, but it proved itself in the win against the Rockets that it can deliver when needed.

The Celtics will be tough to beat if they move the ball well and stifle the Rockets on defense.

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Houston Rockets vs Boston Celtics predicted starting lineups

Rockets

PG: Fred VanVleet | SG: Jalen Green | SF: Dillon Brooks | PF: Amen Thompson | C: Alperen Sengun

Celtics

PG: Derrick White | PG: Jrue Holiday | SG: Jaylen Brown | PF: Jayson Tatum | C: Kristaps Porzingis

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Houston Rockets vs Boston Celtics betting tips

Amen Thompson has found his footing on offense since moving into the starting lineup. From 12.0 points per game in December, he has increased his scoring to 17.7 PPG in January. The versatile forward could eke past his 15.5 (O/U) points prop.

Derrick White had an up-and-down scoring stretch during the Celtics’ four-game road trip. He averaged 13.5 PPG on 41.9% shooting. With the defending champs back on familiar ground, the underrated point guard could top his 13.5 (O/U) points prop.

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Houston Rockets vs Boston Celtics prediction

The in-form Rockets are on the road and could lose to the Boston Celtics on the road. Nevertheless, beating the Cleveland Cavaliers in back-to-back games proved thaat they’re playing well on both ends. The Rockets could leave TD Garden with a 0-2 record against the hosts but are likely to cover the +6.5 spread.