NBA
Boston enters at 3-1 with 119.8 points per game, 46.5% field goal shooting, and 38.6% from deep, but its defense has been a touch looser away from home based on the available efficiency split. Houston has started 5-0 with 123.0 points per game, 51.7% shooting, and 40.4% from three, while also posting stronger defensive efficiency numbers and a better average scoring margin. The Rockets’ balance on offense and defense has driven the unbeaten start, while Boston’s profile remains strong but slightly less efficient on both ends in the early sample.
Houston’s perfect start, superior shooting efficiency, and stronger overall scoring margin point to a home win in a game that should stay competitive for stretches. Boston has enough firepower to keep pressure on the scoreboard, but Houston’s current form on both ends makes the home side the cleaner call. Projected final score: Houston Rockets 121, Boston Celtics 116.
