Celtics vs. Rockets Prediction, NBA Odds & Best Bets (11/2)

Fact checked at 8:50 AM ET, Nov 2, 2026

Odds as of 8:48 AM ET, Nov 2, 2026

The Celtics (5-1) visit the Rockets (6-1) at Toyota Center for an 8:30 PM ET tip on League Pass. Boston has won five straight, but it beat Orlando 108-97 in its last game and is on the second night of a back-to-back. Houston has had a day off since beating Oklahoma City 119-98, and it's 3-0 at home. We think fresh legs and a deeper rotation decide this one: Houston covers, and Tari Eason gets to double figures off the bench while the Rockets' backup centers are banged up.

Houston's projected starters are Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun. VanVleet sat the Oklahoma City game for knee injury management and isn't on the latest injury report. Steven Adams is out, and Clint Capela (ankle) and Reed Sheppard (back) are questionable. Boston's injury report isn't out yet. Mitchell Robinson rested against Orlando and is projected to start.

Celtics vs. Rockets Predictions

• Pick #1: Rockets -4.5 (-118)
• Pick #2: Tari Eason Over 9.5 Points (-103)

PICK #1: Rockets -4.5 (-118)

Houston has won by six or more in five of seven games. The two exceptions were a 116-111 loss at Dallas and a 114-110 win at San Antonio. It beat Milwaukee by 32 without Sengun and Oklahoma City by 21 without VanVleet. Both are expected back tonight.

The Rockets score 120.7 points a game, third in the league, and allow 108.3. Boston scores 118.7 and gives up 109.2. It's early, but Houston scored 111 or more in all three games a starter missed.

At -118 the price implies 54.1%, and Boston won't make it easy. The Celtics have won five in a row and are already 1-0 on the second night of a back-to-back, a 125-124 overtime win over Brooklyn. Robinson got the Orlando game off to rest. Bettors are split, with 47% of the spread bets and 53% of the money on Houston. If VanVleet or Sengun sits, the margin gets thinner.

PICK #2: Tari Eason Over 9.5 Points (-103)

In his five full games off the bench this season, Eason has scored 12 at San Antonio, 19 and 13 in the two Atlanta games, 11 (with 13 rebounds) at Dallas and 8 in 19 minutes against Oklahoma City. That's four of five over the number. His one start, at Milwaukee with Sengun out, produced 5 points, and he lasted three minutes in the opener before an ejection.

With Sengun projected to start, Eason goes back to the bench role where he's scored. The frontcourt behind Sengun is thin: Adams is out, and Capela is questionable after playing 10 minutes against Oklahoma City. That should keep Eason's minutes up front. He isn't on the injury report.

The longer record also clears the 50.7% this price implies. Last season Eason averaged 10.5 points in 25.8 minutes and scored 10 or more in 33 of 60 games, or 55%. A cold shooting night can leave him short, and if Capela plays and Houston goes bigger, his minutes could shrink.

21+ (18+ where permitted). Odds subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.