NBA 2018-19: Predicted Starting Lineups and Match Prediction - Houston Rockets vs Boston Celtics
Houston Rockets (37-25) vs Boston Celtics (38-25), TD Garden
The Boston Celtics will host the Houston Rockets at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
The Celtics are coming off a much-needed victory against the Washington Wizards, while the Rockets too are in great form, having beaten the Miami Heat on Thursday.
With that in mind, let us see how things stand for both teams.
The Houston Rockets perspective
The Rockets are currently 5th in the West and will be gunning for the third place which is not out of their reach.
They blew past the Miami Heat in their last game where James Harden went off for 58 points. Chris Paul and Austin Rivers supported him with 14 and 17 points respectively, while the team shot 19 3-pointers on the night.
Predicted starting lineup: Gary Clark, P.J. Tucker, Clint Capela, James Harden and Chris Paul.
The Boston Celtics perspective
The Celtics are a sinking ship with just one win in their last five games. However, that win came in their previous game, against the Wizards.
Kyrie Irving had an off night with just 12 points to his name, but Al Horford led the team with 18 points on the night. A late fourth quarter 13-2 run turned the game in the Celtic' favour.
The Celtics will be looking for a spark of consistency with a win at home against the Rockets.
Predicted starting lineup: Jayson Tatum, Marcus Morris, Al Horford, Kyrie Irving and Marcus Smart.
How things might unfold
The Celtics have been out of form for some time. While they do have the home advantage, stopping James Harden will not be an easy task.
The Rockets are on a roll and will look to sweep one more tonight.
Prediction: Houston Rockets to beat Boston Celtics