The Boston Celtics with their new lineup it’s a process every night to tinker and adjust. Playing in a back to back spot figures to be the toughest spot, as they run so many players in and out of the lineup. That should give the Rockets the upper hand with their big lineup to wear down the Celtics. Take Houston as they win their third straight game and cover the number.

After starting the season 0-2, the Rockets have won two straight in impressive fashion but a pretty big number in Boston. The Celtics, who have looked vastly better in their two home games, are listing Derrick White and Payton Pritchard as probable. In real life that means they should play. But the NBA is far from real life when it comes to trusting injury statii (not the real plural of status but it works to emphasize the point), so you may want to wait to make sure. But then this might drop a half-point or the like. Our model has Rockets by 2. The C's did play and win last night in Philly but no one played heavy minutes.

The Celtics have won 3 straight after last night's rousing win over the Sixers, avenging a one-point opening night loss to Philly. Jayson Tatum's absence is a big one but Boston has several weapons capable of filling the gap, and Jaylen Brown has had no trouble assuming a featured scoring role, scoring at a near 27 ppg pace. Ex-Blazer Anfernee Simons is also helping fill the Tatum gap, scoring 19 in last night's win at Philly. Meanwhile, the Rockets have only won two of four, predictably beating the lesser teams they faced (Nets and Raptors) and losing to the better teams (Pistons and Thunder, though honorably vs. OKC, taking the game to OT). Fred VanVleet's absence might be more impactful than many realize. Play Celtics