The Celtics will take on the Rockets today in their last round of scrimmage games. Here we look at the match preview, team news and where you can watch the game.
Advertisement
The Boston Celtics will take on Houston Rockets tonight at 8 pm ET. Both the teams will look to build on their respective campaigns before the league resumes on July 30. Both teams have a 1-1 record going into the final round of scrimmages.
The Celtics lost to the Thunders while but came back to defeat the Suns. The Rockets on the other hand looked scratchy against the Raptors and lost 94-83 with their all-star looking a bit out of ideas. However, they came back to defeat the Grizzlies with James Harden scoring 31 points.
With Westbrook back in the mix too, the Rockets do have a great roster going into the seeding games. As far as the Celtics are concerned, Jayson Tatum and Kemba Walker form a brilliant duo, which is almost comparable to that of Westbrook and Harden. It will be interesting to see how the ‘big 2’ from both sides face up against each other tonight.
Also Read: Grizzlies vs Heat Scrimmage TV Schedule; where to watch the NBA restart
Expect the teams to play out their normal rotations as they look to put the final glosses on their preparation before the league phase resumes.
Where to watch Celtics vs Rockets Scrimmage on TV and Online?
As with every scrimmage game, it can be viewed on NBA TV which is available on all platforms. NBA TV can be accessed through a NBA League Pass. The scrimmage game can be seen locally on NBC Boston Sports via your local cable provider(this would be restricted by Geography).
Rockets fans can view the game live on Rockets.com and on the Rockets’ official Facebook page. Rockets flagship radio station SportsTalk in Houston will also give the live coverage of the game.
Online options include NBC Sports Online, FuboTV and Hulu + are also available via subscription services.
Celtics vs Rockets Scrimmage Team News
The Celtics will continue to manage the minutes of all-star guard Kemba Walker going into the playoffs. The guard managed 6 points and 1 rebound during nine minutes against the Suns. Jaylen Brown finished with 21 points, while Jayson Tatum lead in rebounding with 9 against the Suns. Expect them to continue on their rampaging ways against the Rockets.
Celtics available roster: Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Kemba Walker, Marcus Smart, Gordon Hayward, Carsen Edwards, Tacko Fall, Javonte Green, Enes Kanter, Ojeleye, Vincent Poirier, Daniel Theis, Brad Wanamakar, Waters, Robert Williams, Grant Williams
Tricksh🏀t Tril🏀gy #MarcusMonday pic.twitter.com/H9n2C7PEGG
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) July 27, 2020
The Rockets on the other hand seem heavily reliant on their all-star duo Harden and Westbrook. James Harden leads the squad in assists and points in their scrimmages games. Harden played 35 minutes against the Grizzlies to drag them to a victory.
Ben McLemore scored 26 points against the Grizzlies and will look to add on his performances today. Expect Westbrook to continue his way back into form this season. However, like the Lakers last night, the Rockets too could rest their superstar and they wouldn’t want any unecessary injuries going into the all important seeding games.
Rockets available roster: James Harden, Russell Westbrook, PJ Tucker, Eric Gordon, Carroll, Tyson Chandler, Chris Clemons, Robert Covington, Michael Frazier, Jeff Green, Danuel House Jr, Ben Mclemore.
Also Read: Lakers take decision on extending Anthony Davis’ contract next season
What to expect from both the teams heading into the restart?
The Celtics are one of the top guns in the East this season. With a well-balanced team, the Celtics seem destined to make a deep playoff run this year. The Tatum-Walker duo is one for the future and the Celtics would be hoping that the young duo can show the NBA that they have come off age by strong playoff performances.
Meanwhile, the Rockets decision to go small has been pivotal this season. With the addition of Westbrook this season, the lack of a big man has helped him to drive to the rim at will. The Rockets remain tied with the Thunders for the fifth seed and will absolutely love the fact that their two ageing stars are well rested and raring to go.
Both teams are expected to be full strength tonight. It will a great match-up with the marauding front-court of Celtics taking on the decisive back-court of the Rockets.
Also Read: Lou Williams and Kendrick Perkins get involved in Twitter bust up over Strip Club visit
