The 2-2 Houston Rockets look to add to their first win streak of the 2025-26 NBA regular season on Saturday night as they make the trip to Massachusetts to take on the 3-3 Boston Celtics at TD Garden Nov. 1. But to do so, they will need to dominate the boards against a smaller Celtics squad that is currently on their own longest winning streak of the season to date.
Both ball clubs are dealing with injuries to key players who have at least a tiny chance of returning at the end of the season. But how both clubs navigate the games in front of them now could go a long way with setting the tenor of each team’s season.
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Records, standing, and streaks
At present, the Rockets have a 2-2 record after a two game win streak that has them in a three-way tie for fifth place.
Jan 27, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) drives the ball to the basket against Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) in the last seconds of then game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Currently, the Celtics have a 3-3 record after a third-game win streak starting against the New Orleans Pelicans earlier this week. That has them in a three-team tie for fourth place.
What happened in the last game for each team?
Houston beat the Toronto Raptors 139-121 on the road.
Jan 27, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka watches from the sideline as they take on the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Boston beat the Philadelphia 76ers 109-108 in Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Injuries
For the Rockets, Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) and Fred VanVleet (ACL) are out.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 03: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics drives against Jeff Green #32 of the Houston Rockets during the first half at Toyota Center on January 03, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
For the Celtics, no report was submitted at the time of writing with a game the night before, but on the prior injury report, only Jayson Tatum (Achilles) was out.
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Probable starting lineups
Celtics
Jan 3, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; (from L-to-R) Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr (10), guard Jalen Green (4) and guard Fred VanVleet (5) sit on the bench against the Boston Celtics during the game at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images
Probable starting lineups
Houston
What time is tipoff, and on what channels?
Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:
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TV Channel: Space City Home Network
Listen to “Havlicek Stole the Pod” on:
Spotify: https://tiny.ee/CdKp
iTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47
YouTube: https://tiny
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Rockets at Celtics: Stream, lineups, injury reports, broadcast (11/01)