The Houston Rockets (33-20) welcome the Boston Celtics (37-15) in a matchup that pits sensational offense against stifling defense. The game can be seen on TNT at 9:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 11, 2020.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 231.5 points with Houston opening as a 3-point favorite at Wild Rose Iowa Sportsbook.
Boston Celtics vs. Houston Rockets Free Prediction
In the Celtics’ last game, they defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 112-111, but they failed to cover as 1.5-point favorites. The total points for the game (223) were over the projected point total of 219. The Celtics, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 23.8, had a superb mark of 30.4 and had a turnover percentage of 8.6 (better than their season average of 11.7). Jayson Tatum played well for Boston, recording 26 points and 11 rebounds.
The Rockets lost a tough one against the Utah Jazz in their last game, 114-113, despite being 3-point favorites. The game’s combined points (227) were under the O/U total of 233. Making free throws was one of Utah’s biggest strengths. They were 15-18 (83.3 percent), while the Rockets were 10-14 (71.4 percent). Houston’s James Harden had a big game, accumulating 28 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists on his way to his second triple-double this season.
This battle pits one of the NBA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Houston ranks fourth in offensive efficiency and Boston ranks third in defensive efficiency.
Boston comes into the game with records of 37-15 straight up (SU) and 31-20-1 against the spread (ATS). Games featuring the Celtics have gone under the O/U total 51.9 percent of the time.
Meanwhile, Houston is 33-20 SU and 26-27 ATS. Vegas has a tendency to place the total high when the Rockets are involved, as 30 of their 52 games have ended under the O/U total.
After the Rockets won both contests against the Celtics last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent contest, Houston won 115-104. The Rockets had a better effective field goal percentage (0.606 vs. 0.532) and had a better turnover percentage (11.5 vs. 12.7).
Celtics vs. Rockets ATS Pick
Free NBA Pick: ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Boston ranks third in points allowed in the paint per game (42.9) while Houston ranks 22nd (51.4).
Boston ranks fifth in steals allowed per game (6.9) while Houston ranks 15th (7.8).
The Celtics average 5.7 blocks per game, which ranks sixth in the league. The Rockets rank 16th in blocks allowed per game (5.0).
Houston is 13-13 ATS at home, while Boston is 15-9-1 ATS on the road.
Over its last five contests, Boston is 3-2 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Houston is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over its last five games.
The Celtics’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.2, up from 7.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Rockets have scored an average of 113.4 points per game (4.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 114.2 points per game (0.4 below their season average).