GST Staff

Celtics vs. Rockets Prediction, Odds, Best Prop Bets January 03, 2025

Offensive Fireworks Loom as Red-Hot Celtics, Rockets Collide

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The Houston Rockets (22-11) and Boston Celtics (24-9) are set to clash on Friday night in a battle of two teams riding win streaks. The Celtics have been one of the NBA's top teams this season, boasting a 72.7% win rate fueled by their prolific offense averaging nearly 120 points per game. However, the Rockets have been no slouches themselves with a 66.7% win percentage and a potent offense that hovers around 113 points per contest.

Over their last 20 games, the Celtics have been on a tear with a 14-6 record and a blistering 118.6 points per game. They've been lethal from beyond the arc, shooting a shade above 36% from deep while dishing out over 26 assists per night. Boston's balanced attack has been a driving force, with five players averaging double-digit scoring. On the other end, their defense has clamped down, holding opponents to just 107.9 points during this stretch.

The Rockets, meanwhile, have been nearly as hot, going 13-7 over their last 20 while averaging 114.7 points. Their scoring punch has been fueled by a resurgent three-point attack at 33.1% and a free throw percentage hovering around 79%. While not quite at Boston's level defensively, Houston has tightened things up, allowing just 106.6 points per game during this run.

In their most recent 10-game samples, the teams have trended in opposite directions. The Celtics are just 5-5, with their shooting percentages dipping across the board. Their three-point marksmanship has fallen to 35.6%, and they've seen a notable drop in free throw percentage to 73.5%. Conversely, the Rockets have thrived at 7-3, bumping their overall shooting to 46.1% while maintaining a stellar 80% free throw clip.

The key matchup to watch will be the battle on the glass, where the Rockets have been dominant with nearly 50 rebounds per game over their last 20 contests. If Boston can't keep them off the offensive boards and control the possession game, Houston's hot shooting could make this a long night for the Celtics' defense. With both teams riding win streaks and looking to keep the momentum going, this shapes up to be an entertaining clash of styles between two of the NBA's elite offenses.