Houston Rockets vs Boston Celtics Picks and Predictions January 3rd 2025

Houston Rockets vs Boston Celtics January 3rd 2025

The Boston Celtics (-145) are favored by 3 points over the Houston Rockets (+124) in this non-conference matchup. The over/under line is 220.5 points.

Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 ET at the Toyota Center in Houston. The game will be televised on NBCS.

Celtics vs. Rockets Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Boston Celtics at Houston Rockets
• Where: Houston at Toyota Center
• Date: Friday, January 3rd
• Betting Odds BOS -3, BOS -145 | HOU +124 O/U 220.5

The Celtics Can Win If…

Boston improved to 25-9 this season after a 118-115 road win over the Timberwolves on Thursday. The Celtics were favored by 3 points, and the final score resulted in a push. The game’s total of 233 points went over the pre-game line of 215.5 by 17.5 points.

Boston took control in the 2nd quarter, outscoring Minnesota 34-16, but the Timberwolves battled back, winning the 3rd quarter 34-29. The Celtics entered the 4th quarter with a 91-85 lead, and although Minnesota edged them 30-27 in the final frame, Boston held on for the win.

The Celtics connected on 22 threes in their win over the Timberwolves, shooting 38.6% from deep and 50% overall from the field. Jayson Tatum led the way with 33 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds, hitting 6 threes despite shooting just 35.3% from beyond the arc.

Derrick White added 26 points, knocking down 5 threes at a 50% clip, while Sam Hauser also hit 5 threes, finishing with 15 points. Tatum scored 16 of his 33 points in the 3rd quarter, while White poured in 13 points in the 4th.

Despite giving up 115 points, the Celtics managed to pull out a win over the Timberwolves. Boston’s defense was strong in the 2nd quarter, where they allowed just 16 points, but they struggled in the 1st and 3rd quarters, giving up 35 and 34 points, respectively. Minnesota shot 50% from the field in the game.

The Celtics had a tough time defending the three-point line, allowing the Timberwolves to hit 21 threes at a 53% clip. Boston also sent Minnesota to the free-throw line 22 times, where they made 20. The Celtics finished with 9 steals and 4 blocks.

• Across their five previous road games, Boston has an ATS mark of 1-3-1. Their straight up record in these matchups was 3-2 while averaging 113 points per game.
• As the betting favorite, the Celtics have an ATS mark of just 4-5-1 in their last ten games. Boston posted a straight up mark of 6-4 in these matchups.
• Over their last five games, the Celtics have an over/under record of 4-1 and are 2-2-1 vs. the spread.

The Rockets Can Win If…

With a 110-99 win over the Mavericks on Wednesday, the Rockets improved to 22-11 this season. Houston was favored by 4.5 points and covered the spread, while the total score of 209 points fell short of the 221-point line.

After trailing 30-24 at the end of the 1st quarter, the Rockets took control with a 13-0 run, turning a 44-42 deficit into a 55-44 lead. They outscored Dallas 37-22 in the 2nd quarter and entered the 4th quarter up 89-75, holding off the Mavericks’ comeback attempt in the final period.

Alperen Sengün led the Rockets to a win over the Mavericks, scoring 23 points on 56.2% shooting. Jalen Green added 22 points, while Dillon Brooks contributed 19 points, hitting 3 threes at 37.5% efficiency.

Houston shot 47.2% from the field, but struggled from beyond the arc, making just 8 threes at 32%. Cam Whitmore had a big 2nd quarter, scoring 13 of his 18 points in the period.

Despite allowing 30 points in the 1st quarter, the Rockets tightened up defensively, giving up just 22 points in the 2nd and 23 in the 3rd to help secure a win over the Mavericks. Houston put Dallas on the line 16 times, where they converted only 8 free throws.

The Rockets limited the Mavericks to 11 made threes on 39% shooting from deep. Houston also controlled the boards, allowing just 6 offensive rebounds while recording 17 steals.

• When looking at their past ten home matchups, Houston has an ATS record of 6-4 while averaging 111 per game. The team went 6-4 overall in these games.
• Through their last five games as the betting underdog, the Rockets have a strong record vs the spread going 3-2. Their straight up mark in these contests is 2-3.
• In their last five games, the Rockets have an over/under record of 2-3 and are 2-3 vs. the spread.

The Lean

We’re putting our money on the Celtics to win, and have the projected score sitting at 141-121. We also like them to cover the spread, so our recommendation is to bet on the Celtics at -3.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 220.5 and our model has the Celtics and Rockets finishing with a combined 262 points. Our pick is to take the over.

Rockets Aim to Showcase Growth Against Celtics

The Houston Rockets are set to face the Boston Celtics on Friday night in a matchup that highlights two teams at contrasting stages of development. The Rockets, riding the wave of a young and improving core, aim to build on their recent win over the Dallas Mavericks, while the Celtics, despite injury challenges, are seeking momentum as they battle through a tough Western Conference road trip.

Houston’s recent success underscores the strides they’ve made as a maturing team. In their 110-99 victory against the Mavericks on Wednesday, the Rockets demonstrated their ability to thrive even when veteran leader Fred VanVleet struggled offensively, scoring just five points. Contributions from rising stars like Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green have bolstered Houston’s confidence in sharing offensive responsibilities.

Sengun, who led the Rockets with 23 points and added four assists, continues to anchor Houston’s offensive versatility with his court vision and passing skills. Meanwhile, Green added 22 points, showcasing his ability to keep the Rockets on track even without notching a single assist.

This growing balance allows Houston to operate efficiently, with head coach Ime Udoka emphasizing the importance of having multiple players capable of facilitating the offense.

“The more guys you have that can get us into sets, penetrate, shoot, and drive, it makes us more balanced and deadly,” Udoka said. “Fred doesn’t have to do it all, and the young guys stepping into those roles makes us better overall.”

Celtics Look to Regain Identity

The Celtics are coming off a nail-biting 118-115 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday. With both Jaylen Brown (shoulder injury) and Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) sidelined, Boston relied heavily on Jayson Tatum, who delivered a stellar performance with 33 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists.

Boston’s December struggles, reflected in an 8-6 record for the month, haven’t shaken their championship mindset. Tatum sees January as a reset for the Celtics as they aim to reclaim their identity.

“We’ve had a rough stretch the last eight or nine games,” Tatum said. “This January, we’re trying to turn it around and get back to our identity.”

The Celtics’ road trip will intensify after their matchup with Houston, with games against the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets ahead. Despite the challenges posed by injuries and a grueling schedule, Boston showcased their formula for road success against Minnesota with physicality and strong competition.

“Take it one game at a time,” Tatum said. “Our physicality was on point. That’s what it’s going to take. We’re going to need everybody each game.”

Who will dominate the boards? Find out in NBA Rebounds Leader Odds & Predictions!

Key Matchup

The game pits Houston’s emerging young core against Boston’s battle-tested roster. While the Rockets continue to grow into their potential, the Celtics, even shorthanded, remain a formidable opponent capable of imposing their will on both ends of the floor.