Rockets vs. Celtics: The 2025–26 NBA season rolls on this Saturday as the Houston Rockets travel to TD Garden to face the Boston Celtics in a cross-conference matchup in Boston, Massachusetts. This is the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams. Last year, they split the series, with both teams winning on the road—Boston dominated 109-86 in Houston, while the Rockets pulled off a close 114-112 win in Boston.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. This preview does not include Friday’s games, and the Celtics played on the road against the Philadelphia 76ers Friday night.
Houston Rockets Regain Momentum
The Rockets enter the game at 2-2 (3-1 ATS; 3-1 O/U). Their season began with two narrow losses—to the Oklahoma City Thunder (125-124 in double overtime) and the Detroit Pistons (115-111). However, they bounced back with impressive wins over the Brooklyn Nets (137-109) and Toronto Raptors (139-121).
In the victory over Toronto, Houston shot 50.6% from the field and hit 21 of 40 three-pointers. They committed just 10 turnovers and completely controlled the glass, outrebounding the Raptors 53-22. They also outscored them 66-36 in the paint.
Kevin Durant led the scoring with 31 points. Steven Adams added 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Alperen Sengun contributed 18 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds.
Houston currently ranks first in the NBA in adjusted offensive efficiency, averaging 127.3 points per 100 possessions. They allow 117.1 points per 100 possessions, putting them 19th on the defensive side.
Boston Celtics on the Second Night of a Back-to-Back
The Boston Celtics (2-3; 2-3 ATS; 2-3 O/U) started the season slowly, dropping three straight games to the Philadelphia 76ers (117-116), New York Knicks (105-95), and Detroit Pistons (119-113).
They responded with two strong performances, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 122-90 and the Cleveland Cavaliers 125-105. Boston held New Orleans to just 33.3% shooting and limited the Cavaliers to a mere 10.2% shooting in their matchup.
With Jayson Tatum sidelined due to an Achilles injury, Jaylen Brown has stepped up, averaging 26.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. Payton Pritchard has been effective as a starter, posting 14.6 points and six assists per game, while Anfernee Simons adds 14.8 points off the bench. Before Friday’s game, Boston ranked seventh in both offensive (118.6) and defensive efficiency (111.3).
Rockets vs. Celtics Prediction
Spread Pick: Houston Rockets -4.5
This is a tough spot for Boston, playing on no rest after a challenging game against the 76ers. Houston’s high-powered offense and strong rebounding should give them the edge.
The Celtics are 27th in the league in defensive rebounding percentage (69.0%), while Houston ranks second in offensive rebounding (37.1%). Expect the Rockets’ frontcourt to control the paint and help Houston cover the spread.
Over/Under Pick: Over 226.5
Despite both teams playing at a slower pace—Boston ranks 28th with 96.3 possessions per game, and Houston is 29th with 95.4 possessions—they are both highly efficient offensively.
The Celtics take more threes than any team in the league (53.0% attempt rate), while Houston is shooting an impressive 40.7% from deep (second in the NBA), even though they take fewer threes overall. With the Rockets’ rebounding advantage and both teams’ offensive abilities, the over looks like the better play.
