The Celtics return to TD Garden on Monday after a four-game road trip to face the Rockets and former Boston head coach Ime Udoka.
Two players, Al Horford (left big toe sprain) and Derrick White (right shin contusion), are listed as questionable for the 7:30 p.m. game. White’s injury is a new concern, replacing his previous knee issue, while Horford may be given a rest day due to his injury.
This marks the second meeting between the Celtics and Rockets this month, following a dominant 109-86 win in Houston on January 3. Despite that loss, the Rockets are riding high with two recent victories, including a surprising win over the first-place Cavaliers. Under Udoka, in his second year as head coach, Houston has exceeded expectations and is currently 30-14, tied for second in the Western Conference. The Celtics, at 32-14, sit second in the East.
The matchup will undoubtedly feature the storyline of Udoka’s return to Boston, where he led the Celtics to the 2022 NBA Finals before his suspension and eventual dismissal. The C’s went on to win the 2024 championship after parting ways with him.
