Boston Celtics vs Charlotte Hornets betting tips and predictions for Friday’s NBA game on ESPN. The Celtics look to sweep the regular season series against the Hornets as the two teams meet for the 4th and final time this season. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Boston Celtics
The win over Philadelphia was impressive on Thursday, but it came at a cost as the Celtics lost Jaylen Brown to a facial injury. Brown could be out until after the all-star break, but that might not be a bad thing for the Celtics. Having a couple of weeks of rest in the middle of the season could benefit Brown long term, he was one of the Celtics’ key players in their deep playoff run last year.
Tonight against the Hornets they probably won’t even need him, Boston has owned Charlotte in all 3 meetings this season winning by 35, 16 and 12 points. With 4 wins in 5 games and a 21-7 SU record at TD Garden, they look primed to get another win here. Marcus Smart also remains out, but with 2 of their last 3 wins being by 10 or more points, the Celtics have shown their depth.
Charlotte Hornets
For God knows which time this season, the Hornets are on a losing streak after dropping their last 5 games in a row. They’re coming off a 14-point loss at Washington, scoring only 104 points which is unusual for a offensive oriented team like they are. All 5 Hornets starters scored in double-figures, but on very low efficiency and that’s what cost them the game.
Ending the losing streak in Boston will be tough, they’ve won just 1 time in their last 12 visits to TD Garden and they are on a 5-game losing streak in head-to-head meetings. Mason Plumlee also just got traded away which puts another dent into their front line which is already thin as is. The incentive to win just isn’t high for Charlotte right now as they try to secure the worst record which would give them a higher chance of landing the number one pick in the draft.
I like the Celtics here despite all the injuries. Charlotte ranks in the bottom 5 for both offensive and defensive efficiency, they’re no match for the Celtics. Back the home team.
Boston Celtics vs Charlotte Hornets Predictions & Odds
With an average of 240.2 points per game in the 3 meetings this season, this has been one of the most point productive match-ups in the NBA this season. That should continue tonight as these two teams are 18-10 and 19-13 on the O/U in home and road games this season respectively.
Only 2 teams in the entire NBA have a better offensive rating than the Celtics right now, they’re averaging 115.4 points per 100 possessions and going up against the 29th best defensive efficiency team in Charlotte they should have their way in this game. In their last visit to TD Garden the Hornets allowed 140 points, with not much changing since they could be in for a long night tonight. Let’s back the points in this one.
