[7:30 PM] Hornets @ Celtics

Who will WIN this matchup?

Charlotte Hornets (14-12)

@ Boston Celtics (13-12)

 

• The line for this game is Celtics by 7 points.

• A pair of Eastern Conference hopefuls suffering through three-game losing streaks meet in Boston on Friday night when the Celtics host the Charlotte Hornets. Boston has lost four of five overall but all four defeats have come by seven points or fewer, including a 108-101 setback at San Antonio on Wednesday.

• Losing the battle in the paint against a Wizards team that is not exactly known for its physicality prompted coach Steve Clifford to urge his team to toughen up.  Nicolas Batum led the way offensively with 20 points against the Wizards and he is 12-of-24 from 3-point distance over the past five games.

• Marcus Smart received another start in place of Thomas while fellow guard Avery Bradley continued to do his best to fill the void. Bradley finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and three steals against the Spurs and he is averaging 21.3 points while shooting 54.2 percent from the field in the last four games. The seven-year pro is also 13-for-22 from beyond the arc with Thomas out.

• Bradley had a season-high 31 points and 11 rebounds in a 104-98 win at Charlotte on Oct. 29.

• Hornets PG Kemba Walker is averaging 23.6 points while making 43 percent of his 3-pointers at home. Walker is not playing Friday night.

 

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Boston Celtics

Confidence: 6/10

Confidence
StreakSmarter Pick
Previous Pick
Next Pick