The Rockets are pumped for this match-up. They are winners of five in a row, won the first meeting by double digits, and avoided falling victim to Jayson Tatum’s recent string of scorching performances. 

HOME TEAM: Boston Celtics (41-17, 23-5 at home) 

The Celtics have won 12 of their last 14 games, but one of those losses was a 116-105 defeat against the Rockets. They shot a middling 43% from the floor and turned the ball over 18 times. 

Kemba Walker has missed the last four games due to a knee injury and will remain questionable for tomorrow. The silver lining, however, is that the absence has allowed Jayson Tatum to flourish further. Tatum is all dropping all-around numbers in his last nine outings, averaging 31.4 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. Over his last three without Kemba, he has poured in 41, 36, and 33 points on a combined 62.9% shooting. 

With Walker possibly out again, look for Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward to be the Celtics’ next scoring options, particularly the former, who has 22.3 PPG in his last four. 

ROAD TEAM: Houston Rockets (38-20, 17-12 on the road) 

The Rockets are on a groove. They will enter the contest riding a five-game winning streak courtesy of strong play on both ends. In that stretch, the offense is scoring 126.8 points and knocking down a whopping 19.4 threes, while the defense is forcing 16.6 turnovers per game. 

The James Harden and Russell Westbrook 1-2 punch was unstoppable in the win against the Celtics weeks back, scoring 42 and 36 points, respectively. The duo outscored Boston’s entire starting five, 78-74, and effectively shrugged off the elite-ranking defense. 

Harden and Westbrook are both averaging over 33 PPG in their last 11 games, so look for them to keep pouring it on. The supporting cast, meanwhile, will be headlined by Robert Covington (12.3 PPG in his last eight) and Austin Rivers (18.5 in his last two) – Eric Gordon is possibly out again due to a knee injury. 

PREDICTION: 

The Celtics have won their last seven games at home. They’ll be ready for the Rockets’ offensive barrage. I expect them to win and for Tatum to go toe-to-toe against Harden and Russ. 

Boston takes it, 122-118.