But the Celtics now face a difficult two-in-one task: flying to the Lone Star State to face old friend Ime Udoka and the Rockets in Houston.

The Rockets were 8-2 in December before losing their final two games of the month at home to Minnesota and Miami. But they rebounded on New Year’s Day with a 110-99 win over rival Dallas State.

Friday night is the fourth of five home games for Houston at Toyota Center, and the Rockets will be rested and ready – but it will be Udoka’s club’s biggest challenge yet this season.

Brown (right shoulder strain) and Porzingis (left ankle sprain) are both questionable. Al Horford is out as he sits out for the second straight game.

Here is your preview:

When: Friday, 8 p.m

Where: Toyota Center, Houston

TV, radio: NBCSB, WBZ-FM 98.5

Line: Boston -2.5. O/U: 221.0.

Celts

Season balance: 25-9. vs. distribution: 14-20. Over/Under: 16-17, 1 pass

Last 10 games: 6-4. vs. distribution: 5-5. Over/Under: 4-6

ROCKETS

Season balance: 22-11. vs. distribution: 20-13. Over/Under: 16-16, 1 push

Last 10 games: 7-3. vs. spread: 5-5. Over/Under: 5-5

TEAM STATISTICS

Points per game: Boston 119.6, Houston 112.9

Points allowed per game: Boston 109.1, Houston 106.4

Field goal percentage: Boston .461, Houston .443

Opponent field goal percentage: Boston .455, Houston .439

3-point percentage: Boston .368, Houston .327

Opponent’s 3-point percentage: Boston .355, Houston .349

Statistics of the day: Houston ranks 19th in the NBA in 3-point attempts per game (36.2 percent) and is just 29th in 3-point shooting accuracy (32.7 percent). That’s a big difference compared to the Celtics, who lead the NBA in 3-pointers per game.

Notes: The Rockets have a strong lineup with seven players averaging double-digit points. The young talents Alperen Sengun (19.1 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 5.1 apg) at center and guard Jalen Green (19.4 ppg) – both only 22 – have formed a solid inside-out tandem. There’s also experience and steel with point guard Fred VanFleet (15.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 6.0 apg, 1.3 spg) … The Rockets will be without 6-foot-7 forward Amen Thompson, who is serving a two-game suspension for throwing Miami’s Tyler Herro to the ground on Sunday. Forward Tari Eason is expected to miss his eighth straight game due to a left leg injury… With the resilient Sengun on the team, the Celtics are hoping for another solid night from backup center Neemias Queta, who had 8 points, 5 rebounds and He had one on Thursday night, scoring 22 crucial minutes and making up for Porzingis’ fourth consecutive absence.