The Boston Celtics took the court against the Houston Rockets on Friday (Jan. 3) night at Toyota Center without star Celtics forward Jaylen Brown for the second game in a row, but saw big man Kristaps Porzingis make his return to action after an extended absence due to a recent ankle injury.

On paper, the Boston Celtics had already made 17 3s, just one shy of their season average with nearly three-quarters of a quarter to go. By comparison, the Houston Rockets had converted only nine. But Friday night’s dismal showing — a lopsided 109-86 loss to the reigning champs — was yet another painful reminder of the offensive shortcomings augmented by a lack of bodies,

Derrick White and Jayson Tatum combined for 43 points and the visiting Boston Celtics rode a brilliant offensive first half to a 109-86 win over the injury-depleted Houston Rockets on Friday.