Like most NBA head coaches, Ime Udoka prefers to keep the focus on his players, rather than on himself and other Houston Rockets coaches. But at least for one night, that may be too much to ask.
On Saturday, Udoka makes his first return to Boston since the improper workplace relationship that cost him his job there.
It’s unclear what the reception from Celtics fans will be. Udoka’s one year as head coach in Boston was brilliant, punctuated by a trip to the 2022 NBA Finals. But it was immediately followed that offseason by a workplace scandal that ultimately led to a parting of ways.
Whatever the case, Udoka says he is much more focused on getting his current team an upset victory. Houston (19-18) enters on night two of a back-to-back after Friday’s close win in Detroit.
When and How to Watch
- Date: Saturday, Jan. 13
- Time: 6:00 p.m. Central
- TV Channel: Space City Home Network, NBA League Pass
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free in Houston markets)
Probable starting lineups
Houston Rockets (19-18)
- Guard: Fred VanVleet
- Guard: Jalen Green
- Forward: Jae’Sean Tate
- Forward: Jabari Smith Jr.
- Center: Alperen Sengun
Boston Celtics (29-9)
- Guard: Derrick White
- Guard: Jrue Holiday
- Forward: Jaylen Brown
- Forward: Jayson Tatum
- Center: Kristaps Porzingis
Projected lineups are based on each team’s previous game.
Injury reports
Houston’s injury report from Friday listed Victor Oladipo (left patellar tendon repair), Dillon Brooks (right oblique strain) and Tari Eason (left lower leg injury management) as out, while Nate Hinton, Jermaine Samuels Jr. and Nate Williams are in the NBA G League.
The Rockets are not required to issue an injury report for Saturday until a few hours before tipoff, owing to the back-to-back.
The Celtics have no listed injuries. JD Davison, Drew Peterson, and Jordan Walsh are listed as out due to G League participation, while Neemias Queta is questionable with the same designation.
Jan. 13 uniform choices
- Rockets: Black Statement Edition
- Celtics: White Association Edition
