Two Boston Starters Listed Probable for Rockets-Celtics Clash
While the Houston Rockets’ season didn’t start out as anticipated, it seems the team is trending in the right direction. And they’ll look to continue that in a Saturday-night bout with the Boston Celtics.
Houston started out their 2025-26 campaign 0-2, falling in a double-overtime bout to the defending champion Thunder, then suffering a close loss to an Eastern Conference foe in the Detroit pistons.
Since then, they’ve won two games, toppling the Brooklyn Nets by nearly 30 points, before seeing a late surge against the Raptors.
Unlike last season, the Rockets have largely leaned on offensive to propel themselves to wins, averaging a league-high 127.8 points per game. They have a top-five rating in the league, behind only the Jazz, Pistons, Pacers and Knicks.
Many attribute the Rockets’ offensive surge to Kevin Durant, who’s immediately added his superstar punch with 27.5 points on 53% shooting. Still, players like Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson and more have certainly helped.
So far, the team’s defense has been spotty, though pundits across the league expect them to figure things out on that end given their personnel.
The Celtics, sitting at 2-3 on the season, would also love a Saturday-night win.
Here are the injury reports for both team’s ahead of tonight’s contest:
Dorian Finney-Smith — Out: Left ankle
Fred VanVleet — Out: Right knee
Payton Pritchard — Probable: Left ankle
Jayson Tatum — Out: Right achilles
Derrick White — Probable: Bilateral neck stiffness
The Rockets have gotten used to seeing lead guard Fred VanVleet on the injury report, as he's likely to miss the entirety of the 2025-26 season due to an ACL tear suffered in an offseason workout.
Dorian Finney-Smith, too, has been a mainstay, as he's been unable to work his way back from surgery this offseason. He's undoubtedly help Houston's efforts this season, offering starter-level shooting and defense on the wing.
The Celtics will be without superstar Jayson Tatum, who will miss the better part of the season, if not all of it due to an Achilles injury in last year's postseason.
Both Derrick White and Payton Pritchard — two starters vital to the Celtcis' success so far this season — were listed on the injury report, but are designated as probable. Pritchard packs an offensive punch at point guard, where White is one of the better two-way players in the league.
Heat’s Team Culture Prompts Revealing Admission From Norman Powell
The Miami Heat have a reputation around the NBA for being tough on players regarding their fitness levels and the quality of their diets. “Heat Culture” is a term that is often thrown around, both by fans and media alike.
However, it would appear players are also aware of the high expectations Miami has for anyone under contract with the franchise. Norman Powell shed some light on how players around the league view the Heat during a recent appearance on
“Honestly, I mean I wanted to play for the Heat,” Powell said. “But hearing it from the outside, I was nervous because of like how strict they were with the diet and body fat and conditioning tests. That was (the messaging) around the league. We knew, go to Miami, and it’s gonna be military style; you got to be on your stuff. They’re gonna hold you to a high standard.”
Powell continued.
“There’s nothing in between, you know, it’s excellence and that’s what they’re striving for. And being a part of it now. Honestly, it’s really amazing. Like, I can see why they’ve been so successful. All the players that have come through have had amazing things to say about the organization, about Spo, about Riley. And when you’re there, like, you want to push yourself.”
Despite the Heat’s reputation around the league, there’s no denying that their approach works. Erik Spoelstra’s teams are always capable of securing big wins and overcoming the odds. Part of that success is down to the conditioning and nutritional demands placed on the playing staff.
Norman Powell Has Impressed To Beign The Season
Powell has missed the Heat’s last two games due to a groin injury. However, in his opening three contests for his new team, the two-way wing has proven to be a vital addition to Spoelstra’s rotation.
In three games, Powell is averaging 24 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3 assists on 47.7% shooting from the field and 50% shooting from deep. And, while that level of efficiency is likely unsustainable throughout the season, it’s clear to see how his scoring and rebounding can help elevate Miami’s roster.
Nevertheless, we won’t see the Heat at their best until Tyler Herro returns from injury. Once Herro, Powell and Bam Adebayo are on the floor together for a decent stretch of time, we will get a better feel for how well Powell fits with his new team.
Herro Is Traveling With The Heat
While Herro isn’t expected back in the rotation until mid-November, Heat fans got a positive update on Oct. 30. Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that the former Sixth Man of the Year is now traveling with the franchise.
Tyler Herro back traveling with the Heat.
By traveling with the team, Herro is likely one or two steps away from being back on the court. His return will provide some much-needed playmaking and ball-handling to the rotation.
It will also be interesting to see how Herro slots into Miami’s new up-tempo style, which has already been drawing praise. Still, Heat fans are close to seeing their team back at full strength, and that should be a cause for optimism, especially if Powell can continue to perform at his current level and prove that Miami’s strict regime pays dividends.
