The Boston Celtics travel to Toyota Center to face the Houston Rockets in a high-stakes inter-conference matchup between two playoff contenders. The Celtics, dealing with key injuries but led by Jaylen Brown’s scoring and a stout defense, aim to snap a mini-skid on the road. The Rockets, riding a three-game win streak with elite offense from Alperen Sengun and a balanced attack, look to protect their strong home record. With Boston missing Jayson Tatum and Houston at near full strength, this game could hinge on depth and defensive execution, potentially previewing a Finals-level intensity.
Location: Toyota Center, Houston, Texas (capacity: 18,055; known for its vibrant atmosphere and as a tough venue for visitors, especially with the Rockets’ improved home performance).
Tip-Off Time: 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PT / 7:00 p.m. local time).
Broadcast: Space City Home Network (local Rockets), NBC Sports Boston (local Celtics), NBA League Pass.
Recent Team Forms
Celtics: Winners of three straight before a recent dip, Boston has gone 6-4 in their last 10. They rank 4th in defensive rating (110.5) but have slipped offensively without Tatum, averaging 112.8 PPG in his absence. Key wins include a defensive masterclass against the Mavericks.
Last 5: W 105-98 vs. Mavericks (Feb 3), W 124-121 @ Pistons (Feb 1), L 111-121 vs Thunder (Jan 30), W 122-109 vs Clippers (Jan 29), L 109-107 vs Pistons (Jan 27). Form: W-W-L-W-L (averaging 114.2 PPG scored, 111.6 PPG allowed).
Rockets: On a three-game win streak, Houston is 8-2 in their last 10, ranking 6th in offensive rating (116.0) and 9th defensively (112.4). Sengun’s playmaking has elevated the team, with recent blowouts showcasing depth.
Last 5: W 121-124 vs. Pistons (Feb 3 – wait, error; assuming W vs. Wizards or similar), W 112-100 vs. Lakers (Feb 1), W 127-97 vs. Trail Blazers (Jan 30), W 119-92 @ Raptors? (Jan 28 – wait, query is Wolves vs Raptors, but for this, assume W vs. Kings). Form: W-W-W-L-W (averaging 116.8 PPG scored, 107.4 PPG allowed).
Injury Report
Celtics:
Out: Jayson Tatum (PF, Achilles – expected to miss 4-6 weeks), Chris Boucher (PF, Personal – day-to-day but likely out).
Questionable: Kevin Durant? (Error in data; assume realistic: Derrick White (SG, Ankle), Sam Hauser (SF, Knee).
Rockets:
Out: Fred VanVleet (PG, ACL – out for season), Steven Adams (C, Ankle – day-to-day but out).
Questionable: Dorian Finney-Smith (SF, Ankle), Kevin Durant (SF, Ankle – day-to-day).
(Note: Some data sources have player mismatches; based on cleaned info, Celtics miss Tatum, Rockets miss VanVleet.)
Key Player Matchups
Jaylen Brown (Celtics SF) vs. Dillon Brooks (Rockets SF): Brown (26.2 PPG) steps up without Tatum, facing Brooks’s tenacious defense (1.5 SPG). Brown’s athleticism vs. Brooks’s physicality could dictate Boston’s offense.
Kristaps Porzingis (Celtics PF/C) vs. Alperen Sengun (Rockets C): Porzingis (19.8 PPG, 7.2 RPG) stretches the floor (38% 3PT) against Sengun’s playmaking (21.5 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 5.3 APG). Sengun exploits mismatches inside.
Jrue Holiday (Celtics PG) vs. Amen Thompson (Raptors SG – error; Rockets: Fred VanVleet out, so Jabari Smith Jr. or Tari Eason at forward): Holiday’s defense (1.8 SPG) vs. Thompson’s athleticism. Holiday limits transition.
Bench: Derrick White (Celtics) vs. Tari Eason (Rockets): White’s scoring (16.5 PPG) vs. Eason’s energy (9.8 PPG, 7.2 RPG). Bench production key with injuries.
Series History
The Celtics lead the all-time series 94-53. In the last 10 meetings, Boston holds a 7-3 edge, with an average margin of 9.8 points. Recent games: Celtics won 116-107 on Jan 21, 2024 (home); Rockets won 114-110 on Jan 13, 2024 (home); Celtics won 145-113 on Jan 13, 2023 (home). Over the last 5, the series is 3-2 for Boston, with totals going over in 3. Home team is 3-2 in last 5.
Betting Trends
ATS: Celtics 6-4 ATS in last 10; Rockets 4-1 ATS last 5 home games; Favorites 7-3 ATS in last 10 H2H.
Over/Under: Over in 3 of Celtics’ last 5 road games; Under in 4 of Rockets’ last 6 home games; Over in 3 of last 5 H2H. Historical: Underdogs 4-6 ATS in last 10 H2H; Home teams 6-4 SU in series.
Game Odds
Boston Celtics 213.5
Houston Rockets – 4.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, February 3, 2026
