Houston Aims to Stop Boston’s Streak, Rockets Battle Celtics in Final Game Before Break
Key Communication. Rollin’ C’s. Streak-Enders.
The Rockets play their final game before the All-Star break on Tuesday night, as they host the streaking Boston Celtics. Houston is coming off a heartbreaking loss at the buzzer to Utah, at Toyota Center. Tonight, the squad will attempt to rid the sour taste that loss left with a victory over a very good Celtics team. Since dropping three straight games in the middle of January, Boston has been on a tear. Coming into Houston for tonight’s showdown, the Celtics are riding a 7-game winning streak, and have victories in 10 of their last 11 games. The Rockets are looking to avoid their own three game losing streak. Eric Gordon remains out for Houston, but if the Rockets play up to their potential, they should win tonight without EG. However, it won’t be easy. The Celtics close out their pre-All-Star break schedule with a date with the Clippers. They’re playing well in the midst of a tough stretch, with a sense of urgency. It’s something Houston could learn a thing or two from. Tuesday night gives the Rockets a chance to show the national audience they can still beat great teams when playing with focus and heart from start to finish.
Boston’s Kemba Walker, who they traded for Kyrie Irving in the offseason, along with Jayson Tatum and Gordon Hayward, are the Celtics biggest threats. But this is one of the deeper teams in the league, especially on the perimeter. The C’s also have Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart, defensive forces whose offensive games are less consistent. Boston also picked up the NBA’s most underrated offensive rebounder, in Enes Kanter. Look for Kanter to pose huge problems for the Rockets in the post. Kanter’s one of the few bigs left in the league with a solid post-up game. Expect Boston to look for mismatches Kanter exploits when he’s on the floor. Houston needs to be ready to double, and box out Kanter when he crashes the glass. Daniel Theis has emerged as a reliable starter for the Celtics this season, and has more of a traditional outside game seen in today’s NBA.
Basically, the Rockets have their hands full tonight. Boston has plenty of players with strong driving ability. Containing the drive was Houston’s biggest weakness in their previous loss to Utah. Eric Gordon won’t be coming back tonight, so other guys will have to step up for the Rockets. It’s Ben McLemore’s birthday today, and Houston’s going to need a big night from Benny Mac if they want to top the Celtics. Hopefully, the birthday boy has some luck he can bring to the squad that’s stronger than the Irish.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Boston Celtics (37-15): Green
Houston Rockets (33-20): Black
TV: 8:30 PM CT – TNT, AT&T Sportsnet SW