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The Houston Rockets (22-11) welcome the Boston Celtics (25-9) to the Toyota Center Friday evening. Tip is set for 8 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Celtics vs. Rockets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; Celtics won 2-0 last season
The Rockets beat the Dallas Mavericks 110-99 Wednesday, closing as a 4.5-point home favorite. They were led by C Alperen Sengun‘s team-high 23 points. Houston snapped a 2-game losing streak with the win and is 5-2 in its last 7 games, going 4-3 against the spread (ATS) in those. The Rockets are 20-13 ATS on the season.
The Celtics beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 118-115 Thursday, pushing as a 3-point road favorite. F Jayson Tatum led the charge for Boston with a game-high 33 points. Boston has lost 3 of its last 4 games and is 1-3-1 ATS in that span. The Celtics are 12-20-1 ATS.
Celtics at Rockets odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated at 6:57 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Celtics -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Rockets +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
- Against the spread (ATS): Celtics -2.5 (-110) | Rockets +2.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 220.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Celtics at Rockets key injuries
Celtics
(Not yet submitted — below was for Thursday’s game)
- G Jaylen Brown (shoulder) questionable
- F Kristaps Porzingis (ankle) questionable
Rockets
- F Amen Thompson (suspension) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Celtics at Rockets picks and predictions
Prediction
Rockets 114, Celtics 112
Moneyline
PASS.
While the Rockets’ moneyline might seem like an enticing play considering the prediction, the Celtics have had 3 of their last 5 games end with a margin of 4 points or fewer, so look to the spread for value given those tight finishes.
Against the spread
BET ROCKETS +2.5 (-110).
The Rockets are one of 7 teams in the NBA with double-digit home covers. They are 11-6 ATS in through 17 home games, sitting tied for the sixth-best covering rate. Houston is 3-2 ATS in its last 5 games as an underdog as well.
The Celtics have struggled to reward bettors all season long and have gone 3-8-1 ATS in their last 12. They are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 as a single-digit favorite as well. Play ROCKETS +2.5 (-110).
Over/Under
BET OVER 220.5 (-110).
Both teams have consistently hit the Over recently. The Rockets are 4-3 O/U in their last 7 games, scoring at least 110 points in 6 of those while allowing at least 110 points in 4 contests.
The Celtics are 4-0 O/U in their last 4 games, scoring at least 114 points in all of those while allowing at least 115 points in 3. Their offense has scored at least 111 points in 10 of their last 12 games. Considering that consistency, take OVER 220.5 (-110).
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