At the onset of the season, the Rockets were a hot pick to make the NBA Finals. Russell Westbrook arriving from Oklahoma City was seen as the missing piece. And the perfect complement to NBA scoring champion James Harden. Houston has shown improved NBA betting value lately after a period of red ink. Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni has returned to his run and gun ways. Accordingly, there are concerns if that is a winning formula for the 2020 NBA Playoffs. Boston coach Brad Stevens uses the opposite approach. The defense is the dynamic that makes the Celtics profitable.
Boston Celtics vs. Houston Rockets
| Date and Time: | Tuesday, February 11, 2020, 9:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Toyota Center, Houston, Texas |
| Celtics vs. Rockets TV Coverage: | TNT |
| NBA Betting Online Odds at SBG: | Click Here |
Boston Celtics vs. Houston Rockets Overview
Late on the Rockets have covered three of their last four online betting matchups. Houston is 33-19 straight up, 25-27 vs. the odds, with just 23 overs. NBA metrics have the Rockets second for scoring offense, but 22nd for points allowed. Specifically, that defensive ranking is a steep drop from the past couple of years. And cause for doubt about Houston’s chances in the 2020 NBA Finals.
Cause by eight payouts in 10 games do the Celtics have the hot hand. Boston is 36-15 straight up, 31-18-2 vs. the line with just 22 overs. Overall the Celtics rank 12th for scoring offense and second for points allowed. Surprisingly enough Boston trails upstart Toronto by two games for first in the Atlantic and third in the East.
Key Celtics: PF Jason Tatum (22.1 PTS, 6.8 REB, 3.0 AST, 43.9 FGPCT, 38.2 3PPCT, 84.2 FTPCT), PG Kemba Walker (21.0 PTS, 4.0 REB, 5.1 AST, 43.7 FGPCT, 39.0 3PPCT, 86.6 FTPCT), SG Jaylen Brown (20.3 PTS, 6.5 REB, 2.2 AST, 49.6 FGPCT, 37.5 3PPCT, 74.6 FTPCT)
Key Rockets: SG James Harden (35.3 PTS, 6.4 REB, 7.3 AST, 43.6 FGPCT, 36.0 3PPCT, 86.9 FTPCT), PG Russell Westbrook (26.7 PTS, 8.0 REB, 7.3 AST, 45.8 FGPCT, 23.7 3PPCT, 79.0 FTPCT), SG Eric Gordon (15.3 PTS, 2.0 REB, 1.5 AST, 37.4 FGPCT, 33.2 3PPCT, 73.0 FTPCT)
Boston and Houston Against the Spread
The Celtics are:
- 12-5 against the spread in their last 17 away games
- 2-5 under the total on the road
- 3-5 vs. the line in their last eight games at Houston
- 3-11 under the total in away games with the Rockets
- 11-3 on the board as a dog
- 2-5 under the total when getting points
The Rockets are:
- 7-4 against the spread in their last 11 home games
- 3-4 under the total at Toyota Center
- 5-9 on the board in their last 14 games as a favorite
- 4-7 under the total when laying points
- 3-6 vs. the spread in their last nine games with Boston
- 2-11-1 under the total head to head with the Celtics
Boston Celtics vs. Houston Rockets NBA Betting Picks:
As mentioned earlier the Celtics have shown a weak NBA betting value at Toyota Center. Houston has been in good form on their home court. Most important of all the Rockets have substantially more firepower in this matchup. Look for James Harden to drain Boston into submission.
Celtics vs. Rockets NBA Betting Pick: Houston Rockets
Celtics vs. Rockets NBA Betting Score Prediction: Rockets 111, Celtics 97