Two of the league’s top seven teams record-wise will square off on Wednesday when the Houston Rockets host the Boston Celtics. While people expected the Rockets to be about as good as they are heading into this season, the Celtics have shattered all preseason expectations.
Despite the fact that forward Jayson Tatum has yet to play in a single game for Boston in the 2025-26 regular season, the Celtics have maintained their place among the Eastern Conference’s elite. Hence, folks should expect to be in for a game that gets decided in the final possessions.
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Records, standing, and streaks
Jan 27, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka watches from the sideline as they take on the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
At present, the Rockets have a 31-17 record, which puts them in the Western Conference standings’ fourth-place slot.
The Celtics are the owners of a 32-18 record, good enough for third in the Eastern Conference.
What happened in the last game for each team?
Jan 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) reacts to his basket against the San Antonio Spurs in the second half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Houston came out on top over the Indiana Pacers (118-114) on the road.
Boston beat the Dallas Mavericks (110-100) on the road.
Injuries
Jan 28, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) shoots the ball as San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) defends during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
For Boston, the team has yet to release its injury report, though Jayson Tatum (ruptured Achilles tendon) can already be ruled out.
For Houston, Dorian Finney-Smith (left ankle injury management) is out, Fred VanVleet (ACL repair) is out and Steven Adams (left ankle surgery) is out and Kevin Durant (left ankle sprain) is probable.
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Probable starting lineups – Houston
Jan 18, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason (17) warms up prior to the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
Probable starting lineups – Boston
Nov 1, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith (10) blocks Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (7) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:
TV Channel: Space City Home Network
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Celtics at Rockets preview: Stream, lineups, injury reports and more