We’ll have an intriguing matchup at the TD Garden tonight as the surging Houston Rockets visit the defending champion Boston Celtics.
Alperen Sengun has been playing well as of late and I expect that to continue in my Rockets vs Celtics predictions.
Keep reading for my NBA picks for Monday, January 27 ahead of this 7:30 p.m. ET tip.
Rockets vs Celtics prediction
My best bet
Alperen Sengun Over 20+ points (-120 at bet365)
My analysis
Alperen Sengun is having a very solid campaign for the dark-horse Houston Rockets. He’s formed a dynamic partnership with Jalen Green, averaging 19.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game.
The big man is having his best month in January, averaging 20.4 PPG in 12 contests and he’s cashed the Over in points in six of his last eight. Sengun dropped 26 on the Cavs over the weekend and also finished with 18 the game before that — not far off his total tonight.
While Sengun only scored 14 points against the Boston Celtics earlier this month, he is averaging 21.3 points per night against Eastern Conference opponents. That number drops to 18.2 versus Western Conference teams.
Yes, Boston is considered a tough matchup for centers, but I like how Sengun is playing right now. He’s confident and thriving as a workhorse, playing 29+ minutes in 11 of 12 January games, ensuring opportunity is there even when efficiency isn't.
Rockets vs Celtics same-game parlay
Alperen Sengun 20+ points
Jayson Tatum Over 3.5 threes
Kristaps Porzingis Over 18.5 points
Jayson Tatum is shooting 35.4% from downtown, averaging 3.6 makes on 10.3 attempts per contest.
By no surprise, Tatum shoots better at home, draining 36.4% of his attempts compared to 34% on the road. That’s on an average of 3.6 makes as well. The Duke product just had a 4-for-12 performance in his last game and he’s hit the Over in treys in three of his last six.
While that may not look the most convincing, Tatum was also 3-for-10 in one of those games. He converted 4 of 10 triples against the Rockets earlier in the campaign and Houston is 19th in 3-point percentage allowed.
Kristaps Porzingis hasn’t played a ton this year due to injuries but the big man has impressed as Boston’s third star since making his season debut. He’s averaging 18.9 points on 39.3% shooting from long range.
Although Porzingis has only cashed the Over in just four of his last eight, he registered 19 points in one of those games and 18 in two others.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Rockets vs Celtics odds
Rockets vs Celtics live odds
Rockets vs Celtics opening odds
- Spread: Houston +6.5 (-110) | Boston -6.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Houston +220 | Boston -270
- Over/Under: Over 221.5 (-110) | Under 221.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Rockets vs Celtics spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Rockets are 26-17-1 ATS this season.
- Boston is just 8-15-0 as a home ATS favorite.
- Covers Consensus has 54% of the public taking Houston on the +6.5 spread.
Rockets vs Celtics trend
The Rockets have covered the Spread in 43 of their last 68 games (+15.50 Units / 21% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Rockets vs. Celtics.
How to watch Rockets vs Celtics
| Location | TD Garden, Boston, MA |
| Date | Monday, 1-27-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | SCHN, NBCSB |
Rockets vs Celtics latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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