The Boston Celtics are in H-town to take on the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center. Just a year ago, this would’ve been a nationally televised primetime affair. For this one, it’s a battle of two struggling teams looking to get out of the well. The question is, does anyone remember the last time the Rockets won a game? Houston has certainly turned a corner in the wrong way and hopes to at least give the C’s a run for their money tonight. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Celtics-Rockets prediction and pick.
Here’s how the sportsbooks are lining up this contest:
NBA Odds: Celtics-Rockets Odds
Boston Celtics -11 (-110)
Houston Rockets +11 (-110)
Over 221.5 Points (-110)
Under 221.5 Points (-110)
Why The Celtics Could Cover The Spread
The Boston Celtics came into 2021 as one of the favorites to come out of the east. That hasn’t necessarily been the case. They definitely have the talent on this roster and the coaching staff to do so, but things just haven’t panned out yet. The Celtics did hit a nice stretch going into the All-Star break, winning four straight. All-Stars Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have been playing lights out this season. It seems that the Celtics are just a run away from being back in the conversation in the east.
When evaluating this matchup, we have to throw all prior knowledge in the trash. After losing James Harden, this Rockets team is not even close to what they once were. It doesn’t get any easier for them tonight either. The Rockets will be playing without John Wall, Eric Gordon, Danuel House, Christian Wood, and PJ Tucker. Who is playing for the Rockets? This game is less about what the Celtics can do and more about what the Rockets clearly can’t do.
Taking a look at the numbers, the Celtics have the edge in virtually all statistical categories. The Celtics are 13-10 ATS as a favorite this season and have an opportunity to add another notch onto their belt if they can successfully walk onto the court Sunday night. Show up and you have the clear advantage if you are the Celtics. This Rockets team has lost 15 straight and I can assure you Boston is hungry to take care of business and further that streak.
Why The Rockets Could Cover The Spread
As mentioned before, all prior knowledge goes out the window in this one. Let’s take a look at the few things working in Houston’s favor tonight. For starters, they are a home double-digit underdog. If home court advantage means anything, then you could make the argument that eleven points is a lot. Getting eleven points from a Boston team that is 6-14 ATS on the road this season is a bit generous.
Houston can’t lose forever, right? The Rockets are destined to win a game in the near future as long as they continue to compete. You’re capable of doing something with a star like Oladipo leading your offense. I’m not trying to make a case that this will be the game they conquer, but they should have a chance to keep this one remotely close. Coach Silas has to be feeling pressure to get back into the winning column at some point and knows that sort of reversal of fortunes won’t happen overnight. The Rockets have to start competing harder on both ends and give their fanbase some sort of optimism going forward.
Final Celtics-Rockets Prediction & Pick
I’m not going to sugarcoat it. Hammer the Celtics here! Take them with extreme confidence. Home court advantage means nothing to me with the disparity between these two clubs. The Rockets have no one playing. Kevin Porter was exciting in his debut, but he isn’t going to compete with Jaylen and Jayson. The Celtics are a good team with a good coach and they know that the best teams take care of their business in these matchup’s. The Rockets are the worst team in the league for a reason. The Celtics will take full advantage of that tonight.
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION & PICK FOR Celtics-Rockets: 132, 98 (BOS -11 (-110)
