How do the Celtics handle a physical Rockets defense on the second night of a back-to-back?

Last night the Celtics were able to come away with a narrow victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and that too with Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis out of the lineup. Tonight, they face off against the Houston Rockets, one of the premier defensive teams in the NBA. Back-to-backs are always tough, and when they’re on the road against two top 10 defenses in the league they’re even tougher. Minnesota is ranked 20^th in offensive rating (111.8) and 7^th defensively (110.1). Houston ranks five spots better in both – the 15^th best offensive rating (112.8) to go along with the 2^nd best defensive rating (106.2).

The Celtics will be without Al Horford, as he’ll be resting on the 2^nd night of the back-to-back. Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis are both questionable as well, though if I had to guess, I’d say Kristaps will play tonight since he was said to be close to playing yesterday. Houston will likely be without a few of their key players as well, though. Tari Eason is listed as doubtful, Jock Landale is listed as questionable, and Amen Thompson will be serving the 2^nd of a 2-game suspension which came as a result of a scuffle with Tyler Herro.

Will tired legs affect the Celtics three-point shooting numbers?

Last night Boston shot 57 threes, and converted at a 38.6% clip. They played their typical brand of basketball, driving and kicking the ball out to the perimeter to generate open looks from deep. They’ll likely be looking to do the same tonight, but going through two physical opponents with 0 days of rest in between can easily take some steam out.

So far this season, Boston is shooting 36.7% from three on the second night of a back-to-back. Surprisingly, that’s just about where they’re at for the season as well – 36.8%. The opponents they’ve faced in those games are Charlotte, Brooklyn, Miami, Memphis, and the Clippers, three of which are ranked top 10 in defensive rating (I’m sure you can guess which three.) Houston allows the 2^nd least 3PA per game this season at just 34.6. They also hold teams to a 3P% of 34.9 on those attempts, which is 8^th best in the league.

What defensive approach does Boston take?

Houston hasn’t had a fantastic season offensively, standing in the middle of the pack when it comes to offensive rating. They rank 19^th in three-point attempts, but just above the bottom in terms of efficiency, shooting 32.7% from three as a team – 29^th in the league. They’re also close to the bottom in overall…