Houston Rockets vs. Boston Celtics game preview

HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 04: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket against Tari Eason #17 of the Houston Rockets in the first half at Toyota Center on February 04, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Tonight, the Houston Rockets get their first schedule advantage game of the season. The Boston Celtics played yesterday, but it was a matinee so they probably arrived in Houston before it got late.

This is a matchup of a 6-1 team against a 5-1 team. Both teams came into the season with…lower expectations than what they’ve achieved so far. Boston obviously traded Jaylen Brown in the offseason for Paul George, who is actually playing really well this season and probably will continue to do so as long as he stays healthy.

It’s early so Small Sample Size Alert is in effect, but the Celtics are 15th in offensive efficiency and 22nd on defense. Remember that at this point last season, the Rockets were the best 3-point shooting team in the league. For now, Houston is tops on defense and 11th on defense. Knowing Ime Udoka -coached teams (as both of these fanbases do), you would expect those to move closer to their normal places in the next few weeks.

Houston’s job tonight will be limiting Jayson Tatum, George, and Boston’s array of above-average role players, including one of the best role players in the league, Derrick White. Payton Pritchard had a terrible shooting game in Orlando yesterday, so expect him to go absolutely bonkers. Mitchell Robinson could be back tonight, which makes rebounding a priority. Robinson and Steven Adams (out again tonight) are probably the two best offensive rebounders in the NBA.

7:30pm CT

Space City Home Network

Clint Capela: GTD

Steven Adams: OUT

Reed Sheppard: GTD

Mitchell Robinson: GTD

Devin Carter: OUT

HOU -5.5

Check here for updates

Rockets: 1

Opponents: 2

Wednesday night at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves