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Highlights Video :
Boston is playing the second of back-to-back games and is trying to end the poor run of three consecutive defeats, while Houston is also looking to get back to the winning ways.
Preview
The Houston Rockets (34-14) are pretty secured in the third place in the West, but their form is not as good as it was earlier this month. Houston suffered five defeats in last eight games, some of them were quite surprising. Most recently, they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks 114-127. James Harden led them with a double-double of 26 points and 12 assists, along with nine rebounds and four steals, but he also committed 11 turnovers. Patrick Beverley added 18 points, Nene had 17 points and seven boards, while Ryan Anderson and Clint Capela scored 16 each. “The Beard” is the player to watch tonight, of course, but Eric Gordon could have a great game off the bench after a forgettable night in Milwaukee. Mike D’Antoni is delighted to have all of his players ready for this tilt as no fresh injuries occurred.
The Boston Celtics (26-18) are also third in their conference, but the Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards are right behind and looking to overtake them with a defeat here. Last night, the Celtics recorded their third straight loss in Washington against the Wizards, 108-123. Isaiah Thomas was a top performer once again with a double-double of 25 points and 13 assists, Al Horford had 23 points, while Jae Crowder and Marcus Smart combined for 30 points. Thomas is the man to watch for the hosts tonight, but Al Horford could be the one who will lead the Celtics as he has a favourable match-up against Clint Capela. The battle between Crowder and Ariza will be interesting as well. Avery Bradley is still sidelined with an Achilles injury, so Marcus Smart will see increased minutes at shooting guard in this game.
Keys to the game
Houston Rockets
It will undoubtedly be a high-scoring game, so Houston needs to score around 120 points to have a chance for a win. They will likely attempt some 35-45 shots from beyond the arc, and if they keep the percentage to over 40 percent, the Rockets can be close to the victory. Boston’s offence is incredible, but they have not been very good in defence lately, and that could be Houston’s opportunity.
Boston Celtics
Although they scored over 100 points in the last three games, Boston lost all of them, including the last one at home, wduring which they scored 123 against the Trail Blazers. With an unreliable defence, the Celtics have to focus on the offensive end of the floor and exploit the fantastic talents of Isaiah Thomas to win the match. Boston will use the interior more than the visitors, but their outside shooting will also play a vital role, so they have to score even more than the ten threes they recorded against the Wizards.
Houston Rockets projected starting lineup
PG – Beverley / SG – Harden / SF – Ariza / PF – Anderson / C – Capela.
Harden and Anderson should lead the starting five in scoring, while Gordon will come off of the bench with some important baskets and threes.
Boston Celtics projected starting lineup
PG – Thomas / SG – Smart / SF – Crowder / PF – Johnson / C – Horford.
Although Beverley is a solid defender, Thomas has been unstoppable this season, and he should not have any problems of scoring 25-plus points here, while Horford should follow him on the scoreboard.
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