Two teams trending upward meet in Beantown as the Houston Rockets visit the Boston Celtics. Houston’s size and newfound chemistry will get tested against Boston’s three-point barrage and home crowd energy. Both squads are looking to keep their win streaks alive, but something’s got to give.
Catch the game tomorrow, November 2nd, at 7:00 AM, Manila time.
AWAY: Houston Rockets (2-2, 1-1 ROAD)
Projected starting five:
- Amen Thompson
- Kevin Durant
- Jabari Smith Jr.
- Alperen Sengun
- Steven Adams
The Houston Rockets are starting to look scary. After two tight losses to open the season, they’ve responded with back-to-back blowouts, dropping 137 and 139 points in 28 and 18-point wins – vs. the Brooklyn Nets and Toronto Raptors, but still. With Kevin Durant now part of the mix, this team suddenly looks like it’s got a bit of everything: star power, size, and swagger.
The foursome of Durant, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr. is meshing beautifully. It’s a massive lineup that can shoot, defend, and create from all angles. Sengun remains the centerpiece of it all, playing with that All-Star confidence and flair that made him one of the league’s most intriguing young bigs. The supporting crew – Tari Eason, rookie sharpshooter Reed Sheppard, Josh Okogie, and bruising vet Steven Adams – rounds out a deep and versatile rotation.
Against Boston, expect Houston to lean into its physical edge. They’ll try to bully the Celtics’ smaller, offense-first lineup and control the paint from start to finish.
HOME: Boston Celtics (3-3, 1-1 HOME)
Projected starting five:
- Derrick White
- Payton Pritchard
- Josh Minott
- Jaylen Brown
- Neemas Queta
The Celtics are finally back in rhythm after a rocky 0–3 start, now riding a three-game win streak. Without Jayson Tatum for the season, Jaylen Brown has stepped up exactly how fans hoped he would, averaging 27.5 points on 55% shooting and a red-hot 48.7% from deep. He’s carrying the load, but he’ll need more consistent help if Boston wants to keep this streak alive.
Derrick White has been solid at 16.7 points per game, though his 32.1% shooting has been painful to watch. Reigning Sixth Man of the Year and sparkplug Payton Pritchard is putting up 14.7 a night but also struggling with efficiency, while new addition Anfernee Simons is still finding his rhythm. The Celtics are living and dying by the three, averaging nearly 48 attempts per game, and they’re not shy about it.
Size could be an issue against Houston’s length, but Boston’s hope lies in speed, shooting, and pace. It’s a clash of styles: the small-ball gunners versus the bully-ball bruisers.
PICKS
Spread: Rockets (-5.5)
Over/Under: Under (227.5)
