The Celtics are one of the deepest team in the NBA so missing one piece has very little drop off. Without Kemba Walker, Jayson Tatum has taken off into new heights. The 21-year old Tatum has scored 33 or more in four of his last five games. The Rockets beat Boston earlier this month, which was the last time the Celtics failed to cover. Houston's defense ranks 15th in the NBA, and a majority of the season the Rockets had rim protector Clint Capela. Since Capela's trade to Atlanta they are playing small ball. I'll take the better team with the better coach, playing with revenge and laying a small price. Celtics cover.

This small ball thing is working for the Rockets and their current five-game win streak started with a 116-105 win against the Celtics, with the duo of James Harden (42 pts) and Russell Westbrook (36 pts) looking unstoppable in that game. Houston is shooting 50 percent from the field during the winning streak, averaging a 126-108 score. Kemba Walker (knee) is out for Boston. I’m on the Rockets.