The Houston Rockets (2-2) and Boston Celtics (3-3) will face off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET from TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The game will broadcast live on NBCS-BOS.
The Rockets are 5.5-point favorites over the Celtics on the spread (Rockets -5.5), with the over/under set at 225.5 total points. Houston is a -220 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Boston is +180 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Rockets vs. Celtics predictions and NBA picks for Saturday, November 1.
My Rockets vs Celtics Prediction
- Rockets vs Celtics pick: Rockets -5.5 (-115)
My Celtics vs Rockets best bet is on Houston to cover the spread, with the best price currently available at bet365. But as always, make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Rockets vs Celtics Odds
| Rockets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-5.5 -115 | 225.5 -110o / -110u | -220 |
| Celtics Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+5.5 -105 | 225.5 -110o / -110u | +180 |
Rockets vs Celtics NBA Preview
The Houston Rockets and Boston Celtics meet Saturday night in an intriguing early-season matchup featuring two teams trending in same direction — and with one battling fatigue after a grueling schedule.
After dropping their first two games of the season, Houston has stormed back with consecutive blowout wins.
The Rockets demolished the Brooklyn Nets 137-109 before handling the Toronto Raptors 139-121 on Wednesday.
Kevin Durant led all scorers with 31 points, while Jabari Smith Jr. posted a season-high 25 as Houston’s offense hit its stride.
The Rockets have averaged 138 points per game over their last two outings, displaying a newfound offensive balance and rhythm.
Boston’s season has followed a similar arc.
After starting 0-3, the Celtics have ripped off three straight victories, including a dominant 122-90 win over the Pelicans and a 125-105 win over the Cavaliers.
In their most recent outing, a 109-108 NBA Cup victory over the 76ers, the Celtics showed resilience.
With Jayson Tatum still sidelined by an Achilles injury, Jaylen Brown has shouldered the offensive load, dropping 32 points against Philadelphia while Anfernee Simons added 19.
However, Boston’s schedule has been relentless.
Friday’s win over the Sixers marked their fourth game in six nights, with multiple trips between cities.
That’s the exact scenario where fatigue starts to erode defensive sharpness and late-game energy — a key factor in this matchup.
Rockets vs Celtics Prediction, Betting Analysis
This game sets up perfectly for the “Fading Tired Home Teams” system popularized by Evan Abrams — and it points directly to Houston.
The Celtics are wrapping up a demanding stretch with limited rest, playing their fourth game in five nights.
That kind of fatigue often erodes defensive effort and late-game execution, especially for teams traveling between cities and carrying key injuries.
The Rockets, meanwhile, have been the more rested and efficient side, thriving offensively and playing with renewed confidence.
With fresh legs, superior scoring balance, and the scheduling edge, Houston is positioned to take advantage of a tired Boston squad that may struggle to keep pace late.
Pick: Rockets -5.5 (-115, bet365)
Celtics vs Rockets Betting Trends
