The Boston Celtics are the "team of the future in the East," according to Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, but the present looks pretty spectacular as well. The Celtics will test themselves against the defending NBA champions and try to run their winning streak to 14 straight when they host the Warriors on Thursday.

The Houston Rockets recently ripped off a six-game winning streak and own the second-best record in the Western Conference, and they are about to get better. The Rockets are expected to welcome point guard Chris Paul back to the lineup when they visit the Phoenix Suns on Thursday.