Celtics Face Surging Rockets in High-Stakes NBA Showdown

BOSTON — The Boston Celtics will host the Houston Rockets at TD Garden on Monday night in a high-stakes NBA matchup, as both teams look to build momentum in their respective playoff pushes. The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on NBC Sports Boston.

The Celtics (32-14) are coming off a 3-1 Western Conference road trip, capped by a strong performance in Dallas on Saturday. Derrick White led the charge with 23 points, but he will miss Monday’s game due to injury. Meanwhile, the Rockets (30-14) are riding an 8-2 streak, including a thrilling 135-131 victory over the East-leading Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday.

Houston’s recent success has been fueled by standout performances from Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green, who each scored 26 points in the win over Cleveland. Rookie Amen Thompson also made history, recording his first triple-double of the season with 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists. “We knew it was going to be an aggressive game tonight, and they were going to come aggressive,” Sengun said after the victory. “So we came more aggressive.”

The Rockets have emerged as one of the league’s most improved teams, on pace for a 56-win season after finishing .500 last year. They lead the NBA in rebounding and second-chance points, while Green has been on a tear, averaging 26.9 points in January on 49 percent shooting.

Boston, however, remains a formidable opponent. Jayson Tatum continues to lead the Celtics with 24.3 points per game, though his shooting efficiency (42.7 percent) has dipped slightly. The Celtics hold a slight edge in team statistics, averaging 117.3 points per game compared to Houston’s 114.2. Defensively, both teams are nearly identical, allowing 108.3 and 108.4 points per game, respectively.

Monday’s game marks the final regular-season meeting between the two teams. Boston won their previous matchup earlier this month, but Houston will be at full strength this time, with Thompson back from suspension. The Rockets will, however, be without Jabari Smith Jr., who is sidelined with a broken hand.

Betting lines favor the Celtics by 6.5 points, with an over/under set at 222.5. Boston will look to improve its 6-4 record over the last 10 games, while Houston aims to extend its 8-2 run. The Celtics are also seeking their 16th home win of the season in front of a crowd eager for a victory after a two-week road stretch.

With playoff positioning on the line, both teams are expected to bring their best in what promises to be a competitive and fast-paced contest.