The Houston Rockets (2-2) travel to face the Boston Celtics (3-3) tonight at TD Garden in Boston in a highly anticipated matchup between two teams looking to establish early-season momentum.

The Rockets enter riding a two-game winning streak after blowout victories over the Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets — two of the league’s weakest defensive teams.

Houston’s offense has looked electric in those games, averaging nearly 140 points behind Kevin Durant, who’s averaging 27.5 points per game in his first season with the club. Durant is getting a lot of help from Alperen Sengun, who’s averaging 23.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game.

Boston, meanwhile, presents a much tougher test. The Celtics rank eighth in the NBA in defensive rating (111.2), a big reason they’ve clawed their way back from an 0-2 start to win three straight. Despite losing Jayson Tatum for the season, they’ve managed to limit top-tier teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers to just 106.5 points per game over that stretch.

Three-point shooting has been pivotal to Boston’s turnaround. After a cold start, they’ve hit 37.4% from deep across their past two games. Jaylen Brown has led the charge in Tatum’s absence, averaging 27.7 points while shooting an impressive 55% from the field and 48.7% from three — as efficient a stretch as any in his career.

Prediction

The edge here goes to Houston, with its size advantage and overwhelming scoring options. Boston’s defense will keep the game close. Don’t expect a blowout, but the Rockets have enough firepower to secure the win.

Prediction: Rockets 117, Celtics 112

Injury Report

Houston Rockets

Dorian Finney-Smith — Out (left ankle surgery)

Fred VanVleet — Out (right ACL repair)

Boston Celtics

Jayson Tatum — Out (Achilles tendon)

Payton Pritchard — Probable (left ankle sprain)

Derrick White — Probable (neck stiffness)

How to Watch Rockets vs. Celtics

Tip-off for tonight’s Houston Rockets vs. Boston Celtics game is set for 8:00 PM Eastern / 7:00 PM Central at TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts.

The game airs on NBC Sports Boston and Space City Home Network.

Out-of-market viewers can stream the matchup on NBA League Pass for free on Amazon Prime Video with a 7-day free trial here.

Amazon also offers a discounted subscription that starts at $12.74 for the first two months (then $16.99/month). The subscription also includes access to NBA TV.

Fans can also choose a Team Pass to follow one team’s games for $13.99 per month.

Houston Rockets vs. Boston Celtics

Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025

Time: 8:00 PM Eastern / 7:00 PM Central

Venue: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts

TV: NBC Sports Boston, Space City Home Network

Streaming: NBA League Pass (out-of-market)