Rockets Visit Boston Seeking Revenge Against Celtics
House of Champions. Redemption Road. Seize the Torch.
Coming off two impressive wins over the Cavaliers, the Rockets roll into Beantown for a battle with the Celtics. Boston won the first matchup between these teams in blowout fashion, 109-89, on Janurary 3rd back in Houston. And along with the blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, it’s the only game in which the Rockets were never competitive. The squad will try and change that and beat a C’s team that’s had Houston’s number. Boston’s All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown continue to lead this group of deep and experienced defending champs.
The Rockets have always had matchup problems with this Celtics team. Ime Udoka has yet to beat his former team, but Houston will aim to chance that tonight, as the squad is playing some of their best basketball of the season. Meanwhile, as we’re in the thick of the dog days of the NBA season, it seems like Boston is finally experiencing a bit of a Championship Hangover. After a 20-5 start to the campaign, the Celtics are a middling 12-9 over their last 21 games. Their 32-14 record is still good for second place in the Eastern Conference. If Boston retains their health, they should have another solid chance to defend their title come playoff time.
For now, the Rockets are aiming to keep rolling during this tough stretch of the schedule. Tonight’s game is the second stop on a four game road trip for Houston. And it’s also the first of a back-to-back, as the Rockets will travel to Atlanta tomorrow to play the Hawks. Amen Thompson missed the first matchup against the Celtics due to a suspension. Twin has been rolling lately, and he may be the difference Houston needs to finally beat this Boston team.
Regardless, expect a closer game in Beantown tonight compared to the first time these foes squared off in Houston. With a win on Monday night, the Rockets will pass the Celtics in the overall NBA standings for the third best record in the league. And in order to win, Houston needs to play it’s best perimeter defense of the season tonight. Three point shooting is the key to tonight’s contest. The Celtics shoot and make more threes than any team in the league. When Boston’s connecting from deep, they’re almost impossible to beat. But when the C’s shots aren’t falling from three, they’re very beatable. So tonight’s game is essentially a three-point contest. Don’t expect the Rockets to attempt as many threes as the Celtics, if they do they’re in line for defeat. If Houston’s perimeter defense can sway Boston’s shooting, the Rockets have a chance to serve the Celtics another glass of Championship Hangover tonight.
TD Garden: Boston, Massachusetts
Jersey Colors:
Houston Rockets (30-14): Black
Boston Celtics (32-14): White
Tip-Off: 6:30 PM CT
TV: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass