Rockets vs. Celtics Picks and Predictions for the NBA Game on January 03th, 2025

Arena and City where Rockets vs. Celtics will be playing

An NBA spectacle is on the horizon – the Rockets will go head-to-head with the Celtics on January 03th, 2025, in Houston, TX at Toyota Center. Boost your betting strategy with our expert picks and predictions.

Introduction to the Rockets vs. Celtics betting tip and prediction

At 19:00 on January 03th, 2025, the Western Conference and Eastern Conference will meet in this thrilling NBA contest. Rockets and Celtics are a pick’em for this contest. In the previous game between these two teams, the Rockets were 8 point underdogs but lost the game to Celtics, 116-107. In the previous meeting, the over/under was 220.5 points, and the over was victorious.

The 2024-2025 basketball season underscores the importance of the 3-point shot in the game. Let's assess how teams are performing from long range. The Rockets are currently making 32.7% of their 3-pointers, demonstrating their sharpshooting ability. In contrast, the Celtics are converting on 36.8% of their 3-point attempts, showcasing their proficiency in long-range shooting. When it comes to shot selection, the Rockets are attempting 39% of their shots from beyond the 3-point line, while the Celtics are opting for 55% of their field goal attempts from downtown.

Houston Rockets

How are the Rockets playing this season?

The Rockets comes into this game with a 22-11 record, and they are currently 3rd in the Western Conference standings. The Rockets are 7-3 in their last 10 games.

Did the Rockets win their most recent game?

Yes, Rockets defeated the Mavericks, 110-99. Dillon Brooks scored 25 points in the victory.

Best scorer for the Rockets

The leading scorer for the Rockets this season is Jalen Green, who is averaging 19.4 points per game. He scored 16 points on 7-for-18 shooting in his previous regular-season meeting against the Celtics. In the last game, he scored 29.25 points in DraftKings and 29 fantasy points in FanDuel.

Other Team Leaders for the Rockets

Coming into the January 03th, 2025 contest, Alperen Sengun leads the Rockets with 10.7 rebounds per game. In the last match, he made 44.5 points in DraftKings and 47.2 fantasy points in FanDuel. Fred VanVleet has a team-high 6 assists per game. He scored 32.75 DraftKings points and 37.5 FanDuel fantasy game points in the last game. The steals leader for the Rockets is Tari Eason (1.9 steals per game) In terms of swatting shots, Amen Thompson is leading the way for the Rockets with 1.1 blocks per game

Rockets Team Analysis

The Rockets' point differential this season is 6.5 points per game, which ranks 6th in the NBA. They are averaging 112.9 points per game while allowing 106.4 points per game. In terms of 3-pointers, the Rockets are making 11.8 shots per game, which ranks 24th in the NBA. From the free-throw line, the Rockets are making 17.9 per game, which ranks 11th in the NBA.

Projected Rockets Starting Lineup and Injuries

In their last meeting against the Celtics, the Rockets' starting lineup consisted of Alperen Sengun, Jae'Sean Tate, Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green and Aaron Holiday. For the upcoming matchup, the Rockets has the following injuries: Tari Eason is questionable (leg) and Amen Thompson is out (suspension).

Boston Celtics

How are the Celtics playing this season?

The Celtics head this game with a 25-9 record, and they are currently 2nd in the Eastern Conference standings. The Celtics are 6-4 in their last 10 games.

Did the Celtics win their most recent game?

Yes, Celtics defeated the Timberwolves, 118-115. Kristaps Porzingis scored 32 points in the victory.

Best scorer for the Celtics

The leading scorer for the Celtics this season is Jayson Tatum, who is averaging 28.5 points per game. Jayson Tatum also leads the team in minutes played per game with 36.4. He scored 18 points on 4-for-17 shooting in his previous regular season meeting against the Rockets.

Other Team Leaders for the Celtics

Jayson Tatum is leading the way with 9.5 rebounds per game. Jayson Tatum is dishing out a team-high 5.6 assists per game. In terms of steals, the Celtics' leader is Jaylen Brown with 1.4 steals per game. The blocks' leader for the Celtics is Kristaps Porzingis, who is sending back 1.5 shots per game.

Celtics Team Analysis

The Celtics' point differential this season is 10.5 points per game, which ranks 3rd in the NBA. They are averaging 119.6 points per game while allowing 109.1 points per game. In terms of 3-pointers, the Celtics are making 18.6 shots per game, which ranks 1st in the NBA. From the free-throw line, the Celtics are making 16.6 per game, which ranks 16th in the NBA.

Projected Celtics' Starting Lineup and Injuries

In their last meeting against the Rockets, the Celtics' starting five were Kristaps Porzingis, Jayson Tatum, Sam Hauser, Jaylen Brown and Derrick White. For the upcoming matchup, Celtics has the following injuries: Jaylen Brown is questionable (shoulder), Kristaps Porzingis is questionable (ankle), and Anton Watson is questionable (thigh).

Bet suggestions for this game

Will there be Overtime?

Since the Rockets and Celtics have combined for just 6 overtime games this season, overtime is not likely for the upcoming contest.