Boston Celtics at Houston Rockets odds, picks and predictions

Ryan Dodson | Staff Writer

The Boston Celtics (32-10) take on the Houston Rockets (20-21) Sunday with tip-off from Toyota Center set for 7 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Celtics vs. Rockets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Season series: Celtics lead 1-0

The Celtics were taken down 102-100 by the Denver Nuggets at home Friday as 7-point favorites. Boston was 20-0 at home this season had a 27-game home winning streak since last season. Boston has cooled after a roaring start to the season and is just 6-4 over the last 10. F Jayson Tatum has hit a lull to a degree, averaging just 19.8 PPG over the last 5 games.

The Rockets snuck by the Utah Jazz 127-126 Saturday, failing to cover as 2-point favorites. They're on a 7-game ATS drought. Among them was a 145-113 drilling by Boston Jan. 13 as the Rockets failed to cover their +15.

Celtics at Rockets odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access Paste BN Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:35 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Celtics -650 (bet $650 to win $100) | Rockets +450 (bet $100 to win $450)
Against the spread (ATS): Celtics -10.5 (-115) | Rockets +10.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 227.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Celtics at Rockets key injuries

Celtics

G Jrue Holiday (elbow) questionable
C Al Horford (rest) questionable

Rockets

G Reggie Bullock (back) questionable
F Tari Eason (leg) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Celtics at Rockets and predictions

Prediction

Celtics 111, Rockets 102

Moneyline

The Celtics are the supremely talented side, but there's no play on the ML here.

PASS.

Against the spread

If you take out the 145 points Boston dropped on Houston, the Celtics have averaged just 106 points in the other 4 of their last 5 games. Houston has a good defense, limiting teams to the 2nd-worst 3-point percentage at 34.2%. I like Houston to keep it within range in their building.

Take ROCKETS +10.5 (-105).

Over/Under

The first meeting sailed Over 227.0, but that was the 1st Over cash in the last 6 meetings between the teams. As mentioned, Boston isn't scoring very efficiently lately, and this feels like a grind-it-out game.

Take the UNDER 227.5 (-115).

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Ryan Dodson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Access more NBA coverage:

Facebook Twitter Email