The Houston Rockets (25-7) head to Boston to take on the Celtics (28-10) in a matchup that pits sensational offense against tremendous defense. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 28, 2017, and will air on TNT.
Houston Rockets vs. Boston Celtics ATS Prediction
The last time the Rockets played, they were beaten by the Oklahoma City Thunder, 112-107. Oklahoma City’s 0.595 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Houston, who had a rate of 0.506. The Thunder’s mark was above their season average of 0.500, while the Rockets’ was below their season average of 0.564. James Harden was Houston’s leading scorer with 29 points on 7-for-18 shooting.
The Celtics defeated the Charlotte Hornets in their last game, 102-91. Boston made 15 of their 34 three pointers (44.1 percent). Charlotte, on the other hand, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 33.9 (above their season average of 22.5). With 20 points and 11 rebounds, Boston’s Al Horford had a solid game.
Second-chance points might be rare for Boston in this matchup. The Celtics rank 22nd in offensive rebounding percentage (20.6 percent), while Houston ranks third in defensive rebounding percentage (81.1 percent). Additionally, the Rockets’ top-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 114.1) will clash against the Celtics’ second-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 101.5).
Houston comes into the contest with records of 25-7 straight up (SU) and 16-15-1 against the spread (ATS). Of the Rockets’ 32 games, 17 have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Boston is 28-10 SU and 22-13-2 ATS. Similarly to Houston, a little over half of Celtics games have finished over the total.
Trevor Ariza has averaged 13.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.8 steals over the last five games for Houston.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. The Celtics won the most recent matchup 120-109. Boston had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 14.3). Houston, meanwhile, did a great job of converting from the charity stripe (27-38; 71.1 percent).
Houston Rockets vs. Boston Celtics Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Houston is 9-5 ATS with 8 unders and 6 overs.
Boston is 10-7-2 ATS at home with 11 overs and 8 unders.
When holding opponents under 100 points, Houston is 11-1 and Boston is 20-1.
When reaching 100 points, the Celtics are 21-4 and the Rockets are 25-5.
Houston ranks fifth in points off turnovers per game (18.5) while Boston ranks 29th (14.1).
The Celtics rank sixth in points allowed in the paint per game (41.7) while the Rockets rank 25th (46.4).
Houston ranks first in rebounds allowed per game (40.6) while Boston ranks 19th (43.7).
The Rockets rank second in steals per game (9.2) while the Celtics rank 17th (7.5).
Boston ranks third in blocks allowed per game (3.9) while Houston ranks 16th (4.8).
The Celtics rank third in three pointers allowed per game (25.9) while the Rockets rank 14th (28.7).
Boston ranks 15th in fast break points per game (10.2) while Houston ranks 23rd in fast break points allowed per game (12.3).
The Celtics rank third in assists allowed per game (20.2) while the Rockets rank 10th (21.9).
Boston ranks fifth in second chance points allowed per game (10.9) while Houston ranks 11th (11.7).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Houston is 1-4 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Boston is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Rockets’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.8, down from 9.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 100.8 points per game (2.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 97.2 points per game (1.1 below their season average).
