The Boston Celtics have majorly upped their game this season as they might be the team to win it all. The addition of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis has been working wonders. They currently hold the best record in the league. Boston has a 32-10 record and they look terrifying to deal with. Their opponents for the night have also progressed a little bit.
Another opportunity on Sunday pic.twitter.com/PMVkJzw2gr
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 20, 2024
The Houston Rockets are currently fighting for a spot to achieve a Play-In Tournament run. Earlier this season, Houston had an incredible run but with the resurgence of the Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz, they’ve gotten pushed back a little. They rank 11th in the Western Conference with a 20-21 record. The Celtics have a record of 96-59 against the Rockets. They will host Boston at the Toyota Center tonight.
Jrue Holiday is listed as questionable for the Rockets vs. Celtics game
Jrue Holiday has been averaging 13.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game on 45.5% shooting. The Celtics have achieved a 30-9 record with Holiday on the floor. Unfortunately, the Celtics have listed him as questionable. They have also listed Al Horford as questionable due to load management. Horford plays a major role coming off the bench.
The Rockets have listed Tara Eason out of the game due to an injury he sustained in his lower leg. Eason has been absent from the court for the Rockets’ last 10 games. Reggie Bullock will also most likely miss this game due to a back injury. Victor Oladipo will remain sidelined as well.
Alperen Sengun was a FORCE in the Rockets’ thrilling overtime win over the Jazz 🚀
37 PTS
14 REB
6 AST pic.twitter.com/2Wq8LUUwi7— NBA (@NBA) January 21, 2024
Houston Rockets Injury Report:
- Tari Eason (Out)
- Reggie Bullock (Out)
- Victor Oladipo (Out)
Houston Rockets Injury Report:
- Fred VanVleet
- Jalen Green
- Dillon Brooks
- Jabari Smith Jr.
- Alperen Sengun
Boston Celtics Injury Report:
- Al Horford (Questionable)
- Jrue Holiday (Questionable)
Boston Celtics Expected Lineup:
- Payton Pritchard
- Derrick White
- Jaylen Brown
- Jayson Tatum
- Kristaps Porzingis
Will the Celtics overcome the Rockets without Jrue Holiday?
If Jrue Holiday misses this game, the Celtics will lack a defensive body against the Rockets’ guard Fred VanVleet. The latter has been a lethal shoot averaging 17.3 points while shooting 38.8% on 7.9 attempts from deep. The Celtics have a 2-1 record without Holiday in the lineup. However, they are powerful enough to run past the Rockets in Tatum and Porzingis’ presence.
This JB pass 🤯 pic.twitter.com/RWS5MoOi1J
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 18, 2024
The Celtics also rank in the top five in points, points differential, points allowed, rebounds, and, blocks per game in the league. Houston has been playing well when Sengun is in full form. However, their lineup is no match to what the Celtics can do defensively. Hence, the Celtics have a high chance of winning this game.