Houston Rockets vs Boston Celtics Preview

Jan 11, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (left) drives to the basket against Boston Celtics power forward Brandon Bass (30) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Keys for the Houston Rockets as they take on the Boston Celtics Monday Night.

Injury Update

Chandler Parsons has missed the past 3 games with a sore knee, but all indications point to him returning into the lineup.

Rockets’ Chandler Parsons has missed three-straight games with a sore knee, but worked out today and is expected to play Monday at Boston.

— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) January 13, 2014

The Rockets also have a back-to- back later this week so Parsons may have a minutes limit in his first game back.

New Place, Same Test

The pattern continues for the Rockets and playing against sub-500 teams. The Celtics sure are happy to  be back home, having lost 8 straight games, with the last 6 coming on the road. While the Rockets are 10-3 against Eastern Conference teams this year, they must establish the tone early, just like they did Saturday night in Washington.

Searching For The 3

The 3-point shot has not fallen all season, but the Rockets were able to knock some down against the Wizards Saturday. The Rockets also shot 9 for 21 from behind the arc in the first meeting, and the magic number to hit is 45 percent, as the Celtics are just 5-15 when their opponent shoots 45 percent or better from the 3-point line.

Tip: 6:30 PM CT

TV: CSN Houston