Houston Rockets vs Boston Celtics
PREVIEW: The Houston Rockets welcome the Boston Celtics to Toyota Center on Wednesday night, with Houston riding a three-game winning streak while Boston arrives on a two-game hot streak of their own. The Celtics boast elite perimeter defense, ranking first in limiting quality three-point attempts, while the Rockets counter with exceptional offensive rebounding at 32.9 percent and the second-best midrange frequency in the league. Alperen Sengun has been fueled by All-Star snub motivation, matching his season high of 39 points and grabbing 16 rebounds in Houston's recent victory over Indiana. Boston just acquired center Nikola Vucevic in a trade with Chicago, adding a reliable interior scorer and facilitator for a team that depends heavily on perimeter shooting.
The Rockets enter at 31-17 with a dominant 17-4 home record, while the Celtics stand at 31-18 with a solid 15-10 road mark. Boston's discipline shines through with the league-best 11.3 turnovers per game compared to Houston's 14.2, giving the visitors an edge in execution. The Rockets' high turnover rate and isolation-heavy offense present concerns, though their strong defensive foundation against three-point shooting keeps them competitive. Tonight marks the beginning of a challenging seven-game stretch for Houston that extends around the All-Star break, with the Rockets immediately facing a scorching Charlotte squad on a back-to-back.