Tonight brings the Houston Rockets their first schedule advantage of the young NBA season as they host a 6-1 Boston Celtics squad playing on the second night of a back-to-back.
The Schedule Advantage for Houston Against Boston
Tonight, the Houston Rockets get their first schedule advantage game of the season. The Boston Celtics played yesterday, but it was a matinee so they probably arrived in Houston before it got late.
This is a heavyweight matchup between a 6-1 team and a 5-1 team. Both squads came into the campaign with lower expectations than what they have actually achieved so far on the floor. Boston famously traded Jaylen Brown in the offseason for Paul George, who is playing at a high level and should continue to do so as long as he stays healthy.
Celtics and Rockets Early Efficiency Rankings Fluctuate
It is still early, so the Small Sample Size Alert is in full effect. Even so, the Celtics sit 15th in offensive efficiency and 22nd on the defensive side of the ball. Remember that at this exact point last season, the Rockets earned recognition as the best three-point shooting team in the league. For now, Houston stands at the top of the defensive rankings while sitting 11th on defense.
Anyone familiar with Ime Udoka-coached teams knows what to expect next. Those numbers should naturally move closer to their normal baselines over the next few weeks.
Houston Prepares to Limit Jayson Tatum and Derrick White
Houston’s primary job tonight will be limiting Jayson Tatum, George, and Boston’s deep array of above-average role players. That includes one of the best role players in the entire league, Derrick White.
Payton Pritchard endured a difficult shooting night in Orlando yesterday. That kind of performance usually signals that he is due to go off.
Mitchell Robinson could return to the floor tonight, which immediately makes rebounding a top priority. Robinson and Steven Adams—who remains sidelined tonight—stand out as arguably the two best offensive rebounders in the NBA.
Upcoming Matchup Against Minnesota
Looking ahead because the schedule demands it, the Rockets will return to the floor on Wednesday night at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
