Rockets Welcome Celtics on Second Night of Back-to-Back
Part 2. Fresh Starts. True Underdogs.
Fresh off one of their most exhilarating wins of the season, an overtime victory over the Utah Jazz on Saturday night, the Rockets face the Boston Celtics for the second and final time this season. Just like in their first matchup earlier this season, Houston has a rest-disadvantage facing a Boston team coming off a loss in Sunday night’s tilt. At least the Rockets are at home tonight, where they boast a 16-6 record. Houston has played better at Toyota Center all season. Any time they’re playing in the ‘Yote, the Rockets have a legitimate chance to win.
Tonight, however, Houston will be undermanned more than usual. Jabari Smith Jr. suffered an ankle sprain late in last night’s win, and won’t be able to suit up against the C’s. Fred VanVleet is also missing tonight’s matchup, as he’s sitting out due to a lingering back issue, according to Rockets Coach Ime Udoka. In their places, rookies Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore will be making their first professional starts of their careers.
The Rockets will need a little luck on their side if they want to beat the Celtics tonight, who still own the NBA’s best record with a 32-10 mark. After starting 20-0 at TD Garden, Boston is coming off their first home loss of the season, a close two-point loss to the defending champion Denver Nuggets. Expect the Celtics to be motivated to get back on the winning track against an injury-riddled Houston squad. The Rockets need to get the crowd in the game early, and try and stay within striking distance of Boston. If Houston can keep the game close enough, they’ll have a chance to make a a run late to win the contest. Otherwise, the Rockets could be victims of another blowout tonight. Expect the first quarter, and half, to be determinants on how this game will unfold. Hopefully the Celtics will be overlooking a Houston squad with a losing record. Regardless, Udoka will have his guys ready to go, and despite being down two starters, expect this game to be closer than the beatdown the Rockets suffered earlier this season in Boston.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Boston Celtics (32-10): Black
Houston Rockets (20-21): “City Edition” White
Tip-Off: 6:00 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass