Celtics Fall to Rockets, 109-93
Boston drops its first game after a five-game winning streak, with every starter held under 20 points.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Basketball
The Boston Celtics lost to the Houston Rockets 109-93, ending a five-game winning streak. Jayson Tatum scored 29 points in the first quarter, but no Celtics player finished with 20 or more points.
Why it matters
The loss exposed rebounding concerns, as the Celtics ranked 27th in the NBA in defensive rebounding percentage at 69%. Coach Joe Mazzulla pointed to Mitchell Robinson's role in the offense as a factor in the team's struggles on the boards.
Robinson's offensive rebounding percentage dropped from a career-high 23.9% to 10.6% in recent games, and his total rebounds fell from 8.8 per game last season to 4.5 this season. The Celtics' 69% defensive rebounding rate ranks 27th in the league.
The players
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are a professional basketball franchise based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a longtime member of the National Basketball Association.
Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets are a professional basketball franchise based in Houston, Texas, competing in the National Basketball Association.
Joe Mazzulla
Joe Mazzulla is the head coach of the Boston Celtics, known for his tactical approach to lineup and role assignments.
Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum is a forward for the Boston Celtics and one of the franchise's most prominent scorers.
Mitchell Robinson
Mitchell Robinson is a center for the Boston Celtics known for his rebounding and rim-protection skills.
The details
Coach Mazzulla positioned Robinson farther from the rim, using him to set screens and make plays on the perimeter rather than crashing the glass. The Celtics were outrebounded for much of the game, which contributed to the loss.
Timeline
The Celtics' loss to the Rockets was reported on November 4, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The Celtics' 69% defensive rebounding rate, ranked 27th in the NBA, places a persistent weakness against a winning streak that had put them among the league's stronger early-season teams. The loss to Houston tests whether a rebounding deficit can be sustained for a competitive contender.
Fantasy managers who rostered Mitchell Robinson should monitor his role, since his offensive rebounding volume has dropped sharply. A shift in his minutes or position would directly affect his counting stats.
The takeaway
Rebounding margins can decide close games even for teams winning on offense, and the Celtics' recent loss shows how a role change on one player can ripple through the whole defensive glass. Watch whether Boston adjusts Robinson's positioning in upcoming games.
Further reading
For more on the team's season, see Basketball coverage of Boston.
