1st Quarter Report
The Celtics fell flat on their face against the Bucks on Thursday, but memory of that harsh loss doesn’t seem to have tripped them up today. The Celtics have jumped out to a quick 35-31 lead against the Rockets. The finale is shaping up to be a lot like these teams’ last head-to-head, which was decided by just two points.
The Celtics came into the match with some extra motivation after the loss they were dealt the last time these two teams faced off. We’ll see if they’re able to flip the script or if it’ll just be more of the same.
Who’s Playing
Houston Rockets @ Boston Celtics
Current Records: Houston 19-18, Boston 29-9
How To Watch
- When: Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 7 p.m. ET
- Where: TD Garden — Boston, Massachusetts
- TV: NBC Sports Boston
- Follow: CBS Sports App
- Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Ticket Cost: $98.97
What to Know
If the oddsmakers’ predictions hold true, the near future looks bright for the Celtics. They will look to defend their home court on Saturday against the Houston Rockets at 7:00 p.m. ET at TD Garden. The Celtics will be looking to keep their 18-game home win streak alive.
We saw a pretty high 247.5-over/under line set for the Celtics’ previous matchup, but the actual score was more down to earth. They suffered a bruising 135-102 loss at the hands of Milwaukee on Thursday. The Celtics were in a tough position after the first half, with the score already sitting at 75-38.
Meanwhile, the Rockets’ game on Friday was all tied up 55-55 at the half, but luckily for them it didn’t stay that way. They had just enough and edged Detroit out 112-110. The victory came about thanks to a strong surge starting at the 4:47 mark of the second quarter, when the Rockets were facing a 51-39 deficit.
The Rockets’ victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Fred VanVleet, who dropped a double-double on 20 points and 12 assists. VanVleet has been hot recently, having posted two or more blocks the last three times he’s played.
Boston’s defeat dropped their record down to 29-9. As for Houston, they now have a winning record of 19-18.
This contest is one where the number of possessions is likely to be a big factor: The Celtics haven’t given up the ball easily this season, having only averaged 12.3 turnovers per game. However, it’s not like the Rockets struggle in that department as they’ve been averaging only 12.4 turnovers per game. Given these competing strengths, it’ll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
The Celtics couldn’t quite finish off the Rockets in their previous matchup back in March of 2023 and fell 111-109. Will the Celtics have more luck at home instead of on the road?
Odds
Boston is a big 15.5-point favorite against Houston, according to the latest NBA odds.
The oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this one, as the game opened with the Celtics as a 14.5-point favorite.
The over/under is set at 228 points.
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Series History
Boston and Houston both have 5 wins in their last 10 games.
- Mar 13, 2023 – Houston 111 vs. Boston 109
- Dec 27, 2022 – Boston 126 vs. Houston 102
- Nov 22, 2021 – Boston 108 vs. Houston 90
- Oct 24, 2021 – Boston 107 vs. Houston 97
- Apr 02, 2021 – Boston 118 vs. Houston 102
- Mar 14, 2021 – Boston 134 vs. Houston 107
- Feb 29, 2020 – Houston 111 vs. Boston 110
- Feb 11, 2020 – Houston 116 vs. Boston 105
- Mar 03, 2019 – Houston 115 vs. Boston 104
- Dec 27, 2018 – Houston 127 vs. Boston 113
