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As the Celtics prepare for Game 2 of their first-round matchup against the Hawks, aiming to protect the parquet and take a 2-0 series lead to Atlanta, their former head coach, Ime Udoka, is prepping for an opportunity to get back into the NBA.

According to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, Boston's former bench boss is interviewing for the Houston Rockets head coaching vacancy on Wednesday.

After their regular-season finale, the Rockets moved on from Stephen Silas, declining his fourth-year option. They finished the campaign 22-60, tied for the second-worst record in the league.

But with a roster featuring Jalen Green, Jabari Smith, Alperen Sengun, and another top pick on the way, the arrow could be pointing up in Houston.

The Rockets are one of the teams with the highest percentage chance of getting the first selection in this year's draft (14 percent) and winning the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes. Houston will also have a 52.1 percent chance of picking in the top four.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Golden State Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson and former Los Angeles Lakers bench boss Frank Vogel are among the other candidates Houston's interviewing.

Wojnarowski, among others, also reports the Rockets have interest in Toronto Raptors' head coach Nick Nurse, should he opt for a change of scenery.

And with Dwane Casey moving from the sideline to the front office, Udoka is also among those interviewing for the Detroit Pistons' opening for a new head coach. Of course, Wednesday's interview with Houston could cause a change of plans.

Further Reading

Celtics Get Good News on the Health Front Ahead of Game 2 vs. Hawks

What the Celtics Say They're Focused on for Game 2 vs. the Hawks

The Celtics Give Their Evaluation of Battle on the Boards in Game 1 Win vs. Hawks

The Celtics Discuss Their Game 1 Win vs. the Hawks: 'We Can't Take Our Foot Off the Gas'

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Game 1 Win vs. Hawks: Championship-Caliber Defense Propels Hosts in Series Opener

The Celtics Are Pushing Robert Williams to Take His Offense to the Next Level

Joe Mazzulla and Brad Stevens Discuss How the Celtics' Head Coach Has Grown in His First Year at the Helm: 'He's Been a Great Strength for Us'

Jayson Tatum is Ready for the Challenges that Await the Celtics in the Playoffs: 'We've Not Been Waiting for it But Working for it'