Boston Celtics vs Houston Rockets Picks and Prediction for Monday November 2, 2026
The Boston Celtics will travel to Houston, Texas, Monday night for an interconference matchup against the Houston Rockets inside Toyota Center. The game is scheduled to begin at 8:30 PM ET, with coverage available on NBA League Pass. Boston comes into this game 5-1 this season, riding a long winning streak after a eleven-point road victory against Orlando last time out. The Houston Rockets are 6-1 coming into Monday night, having won four of their last five after a 21-point home blowout victory against Oklahoma City. Follow along with our NBA Picks.
Boston looks to keep it rolling
The Boston Celtics are averaging 120.8 points on 47% shooting from the floor. Defensively, Boston has been just as strong, holding opponents to 109.2 points per game this season, and Boston has allowed 106.8 points per game across its five wins. Jayson Tatum is leading the Boston offense this season, averaging 27.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game. Paul George is second on the roster, averaging 21.4 points per game. Payton Pritchard is third on the team, averaging 16.6 points, and Derrick White is fourth on the roster, averaging 11.8 points per game.
Offensively, Boston was the better team in its last outing, scoring 108 points on 44% shooting. Defensively, Boston was elite, allowing 97 points on 42% shooting. The Celtics pulled in 41 rebounds and forced 18 turnovers in the win. Jayson Tatum led the show for the Boston offense with 32 points on 19 shots.
Key Injury Report for Boston :
- Mitchell Robinson (Out) - Rest
- Devin Carter (Out) – Illness
Houston tries to stay undefeated at home
The Houston Rockets offense is carrying the team this season, averaging 120.7 points on 49% shooting. Defensively, Houston is just as strong as Boston, allowing 108.3 points per game this season, and they've given up an average of 105.5 points per game across their last four victories. Alperen Sengun is leading Houston this season, averaging 22.8 points, nine rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game. Kevin Durant is second on the team, averaging 22 points per game. Jabari Smith Jr. is averaging 19 points, and Amen Thompson is fourth on the team, averaging 16.3 points per game. Fred VanVleet is averaging 13 points, and Marcus Smart is averaging 11.8 points per game.
Offensively, Houston rolled in its last outing, scoring 119 points on 46% shooting and 44% from beyond the arc. Defensively, Houston was the better team, giving up just 98 points on 44% shooting. Houston won the rebounding battle and forced 14 turnovers in the win. Jabari Smith led Houston with 30 points and nine rebounds on 18 shots.
Key Injury Report for Houston:
- Clint Capela (GTD) - Ankle
- Reed Sheppard (GTD) - Back
- Steven Adams (Out) - Calf
Boston Celtics vs Houston Rockets Picks and Prediction
Pick: Houston Rockets
Houston should have an advantage playing at home against a Boston team that will have to deal with the Rockets' size and physicality. The Rockets have the offensive weapons necessary to attack the basket and create second-chance opportunities against the Celtics. Boston has enough perimeter shooting to cause problems, but Houston should be able to limit some of those opportunities with its defensive pressure. The Rockets will need to control the rebounding battle and avoid giving Boston too many clean looks from beyond the arc. Houston should also have opportunities to create offense through its interior presence. Look for the Rockets to use their home-court advantage to pick up an important victory.
Total Pick: Under
Both teams have the defensive ability necessary to make this a physical matchup, and scoring opportunities could become difficult as the game progresses. Houston should look to control the pace and establish itself around the basket, limiting Boston's opportunities to get out in transition. The Celtics have plenty of offensive talent, but the Rockets should be able to contest perimeter shots and force Boston into difficult possessions. Houston could also have trouble finding consistent scoring opportunities against a Boston defense capable of applying pressure. Expect both teams to have productive stretches offensively, but the defensive matchup suggests the combined score could stay below the posted total.