The Boston Celtics will play the Houston Rockets for their third and final exhibition scrimmage tune-up of the Disney-hosted restart, in what will also be the two team’s final meeting of the 2019-20 season barring an unlikely NBA Finals meeting.
Both teams have shown some rust in their previous scrimmage games, though Boston’s defense has been notably worse, especially in transition.
So, the “Pocket” Rockets’ uptempo, small-ball style will put a fair amount of pressure on that part of the Celtics’ game.
Houston guard Austin Rivers will miss the game due to required quarantine after leaving the ‘bubble’ to attend to an urgent family matter, and Russell Westbrook has looked a step slower than usual — likely a result of having recently recovered from COVID-19.
Rockets forward Luc Mbah a Moute also recently recovered from COVID-19, but is unlikely to play.
All Celtics are cleared to play at present.
As with previous scrimmage games, don’t read too much into the final score win or lose — these exhibition contests are more about getting ready for the games that count, which for Boston, begin on Friday, July 31st against the Milwaukee Bucks.
For the rest of the Celtics’ Disney restart schedule, click here.
