Rockets Visit Celtics in Udoka’s Return to Boston
Coach’s Honor. The Villain Returns. Road Desperados.
“Not too sentimental,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said about returning to Boston, the place he once coached, for the first time since his departure in 2022. He may not want to admit it, but this is a big game for Udoka and the Rockets. Just like a player squaring up against his former team, coaches have that same “revenge” attitude when facing a former employer. This is the second of a back-to-back set for Houston. The Rockets are coming off a tough win in Detroit over the Pistons on Saturday night. Boston is coming off an embracing blowout in Milwaukee to the Bucks on Thursday night. The beatdown was so bad by halftime, that their starters even rested for the entire second half. The Celtics have now lost two of their past three games overall, with an overtime win over the West-leading Minnesota Timberwolves sandwiched in between. Regardless, Boston still boasts the NBA’s best record, with a mark of 29-9 on the season. This isn’t great news for Houston, as the Celtics are rested and angry. Boston is also the lone undefeated home team remaining in the league this season, with an 18-0 mark to start this campaign at TD Garden. However, the Rockets did hand the defending champion Denver Nuggets their first home loss of the season a few months ago. Houston is certainly capable of dealing the East’s top team their first home defeat.
There is some good news as the Rockets enter this intimidating matchup. Dillon Brooks will finally make his return from injury, after a nine-game absence due to an oblique strain. The Villain’s return to the lineup should give Houston’s defense a boost, as the squad has sorely lacked his toughness since he went out with the injury. After coming off a tough-fought win last night, the Rockets will certainly be the more tired team tonight. This is still a very young team, and Houston should have enough pep in their step to make this game competitive. Plus, Udoka’s return should inspire the players to want to win this one for their coach.
The task at hand won’t be easy tonight, as the Celtics have the NBA’s best record for a reason. This team is a legitimate threat to win the title in June. They still haven’t lost at home, winning their first 18 games in Boston to start this season. Their best player, Jayson Tatum, is having another MVP-caliber season for the Celtics. His running mate, Jaylen Brown, is one of the league’s best two-way players. And new addition Kristaps Porzingis has meshed with this lineup better than many expected. Boston also has one of the NBA’s best perimeter defenders in Jrue Holiday, who will likely give Fred VanVleet fits. FVV played the entire second half in Houston’s emotional win in Detroit last night. The Rockets will need Jalen Green and others to step up tonight against arguably the best team in the league at the moment. Derrick White is having a breakout season as a starter for the C’s this year. And veteran big man Al Horford is quietly having a solid campaign off the bench. Expect a closer matchup than people expect on Saturday night. If Houston can hang around the contest, and keep the score close, like they did against Detroit, they have a chance at an upset victory. But if the Rockets fall behind early… their chances of earning a sentimental win for their coach will be blown out the window.
TD Garden: Boston, Massachusetts
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (19-18): Black
Boston Celtics (29-9): White
Tip-Off: 6:00 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass