The Houston Rockets (48-13) welcome the Boston Celtics (44-19) in a matchup that pits sensational offense against tremendous defense. The game starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 3, 2018, and will air on ABC.
Houston is an 8-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 217 points.
Boston Celtics vs. Houston Rockets ATS Prediction
In the Celtics’ last matchup, they dismantled the Charlotte Hornets, 134-106. Boston’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Charlotte. The Celtics had a rate of 0.690 (above their season average of 0.516), while the Hornets posted a mark of 0.511. With 34 points on 13-for-18 shooting, Kyrie Irving was the game’s high scorer.
The Rockets defeated the Los Angeles Clippers in their last game, 105-92. The Rockets held the Clippers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 11.4 (below their season average of 22.9) and had a turnover percentage of 9.5 (better than their season average of 12.3). With 22 points and 14 rebounds, Houston’s Clint Capela played well.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the productive offense of Houston takes on the top-notch defense of Boston. The Rockets rank second in offensive efficiency, while the Celtics are first in defensive efficiency. Also, the Celtics, who rank 23rd in offensive rebounding percentage (21.0 percent), will clash against the Rockets, who rank third in defensive rebounding percentage (80.9 percent).
Boston comes into the contest with records of 44-19 straight up (SU) and 36-24-3 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Celtics have finished over the total 50.8 percent of the time.
Meanwhile, Houston owns records of 48-13 SU and 32-28-1 ATS. Contrary to Boston, games including the Rockets have a slight tendency to finish under the O/U total (52.5 percent).
Terry Rozier has averaged 14.8 points and 4.2 assists over the last five games for Boston.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, the Rockets lost 99-98, unable to cover as 1.5-point favorites. James Harden led both teams with 34 points and also added 10 assists and six rebounds. The game finished with a total of 197 points, which was 18.5 points below the projected point total of 215.5 points. The Celtics’ 21.7 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over the Rockets, who had a rate of 17.1.
Boston Celtics vs. Houston Rockets ATS Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – Rockets, ATS Winner – Rockets, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Boston is 20-9 ATS on the road with 14 overs, 14 unders and 1 push.
Houston is 12-17-1 ATS at home with 16 overs and 14 unders.
When holding opponents under 100 points, Boston is 28-3 and Houston is 22-2.
The Rockets are 46-10 when they reach 100 points, while the Celtics are 33-8.
Houston ranks third in steals per game (8.7) while Boston ranks 23rd (7.1).
The Celtics rank eighth in points allowed in the paint per game (42.9) while the Rockets rank 28th (48.0).
Houston ranks sixth in points off turnovers per game (17.7) while Boston ranks 26th (14.7).
The Rockets rank second in rebounds allowed per game (41.2) while the Celtics rank 22nd (44.0).
Boston ranks fourth in fast break points allowed per game (9.8) while Houston ranks 17th (12.0).
The Celtics rank fourth in assists allowed per game (20.6) while the Rockets rank 13th (23.0).
Boston ranks sixth in three pointers attempted per game (31.5) while Houston ranks 12th in three pointers allowed per game (28.9).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Boston is 3-2 ATS with 4 overs.
Houston is 4-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Celtics’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.0, up from 4.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Rockets have scored an average of 108.0 points per game (5.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 96.8 points per game (8.1 below their season average).
