Celtics Face Rockets After Narrow Win Over Timberwolves

Boston, missing key players, aims to maintain momentum against Houston following a close victory in Minnesota.

The Boston Celtics defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 118-115 on Thursday, led by Jayson Tatum's 33 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds.
Boston played without Jaylen Brown (shoulder strain) and Kristaps Porzingis (ankle sprain), who remain day-to-day ahead of their matchup against the Houston Rockets.
Derrick White stepped up with 26 points, including crucial late-game three-pointers, while Sam Hauser contributed 15 points in Brown's absence.
The Houston Rockets, led by Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green, recently snapped a two-game losing streak with a win over the Dallas Mavericks and hold a 22-11 record.
Friday's game in Houston marks the second of Boston's challenging four-game road trip, which includes matchups against several top Western Conference teams.