The Boston Celtics and the Charlotte Hornets meet in a match that will help the Celtics maintain their record in the NBA. This will be the second time these two teams will go against each other in three days. During their first meeting, it was the Celtics who took home the victory, in a 122-106 win. With that, the Hornets was placed in a worse place in the NBA standings. The Celtics on the other hand is looking for their consecutive win in the contest, to have a better record. Celtics and Hornets will meet on January 17, 2023, at 2:00 AM (GMT+8), when the Hornets host this match.
The hosts are currently at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, in the 15th spot, winning only 11 of their 44 matches. It is unfortunate that they have failed to win their matches, as they are one of the teams who have so much potential. At home, they are not doing well, winning only five of their 20 games. As for the visitors, they are at the top of the Eastern Conference, earning 32 wins from their 44 matches. Looking at the power their squad holds, it is not surprising for them to be there. They are doing well on the road, winning 17 of their 22 away games.
Boston Celtics
After games that removed Celtics from the top spot, they are now back at the top of the Eastern Conference. They are now aiming to stay in that position until the end of the eliminations for better chances in the playoffs. Now, Celtics won 10 of their last 12 games, and are now going to have a rematch against the Hornets. They are now with six straight wins, including their last meeting with the Hornets. On that games, they even trailed as much as 16 points, before having a full control to the game. Their coach believes that their team’s depth is one of the reasons why they won that match. Additionally, since they have important players absent in that match, their next man up mentality is the one that gives them their victory. This team is the second offensively, having 118.5 points per game, and 12th defensively, giving up 112.2 points per game.
Jayson Tatum continues to lead the Celtics with 30.6 points per game, an MVP-worthy statistics for him. However, they are unfortunate since Brown will miss this game, while White is day-to-day.
Charlotte Hornets
Early in the season, many were impressed by how the Hornets play, as they displayed a strong start this season. However, things might have took a different turn as the season goes, as it seems like Hornets were stung. Injuries hurt the Hornets big time, resulting them to drop off the standings. On their last meeting against the Celtics, their bench scoring were heavily outscored, 45-22. With that, they do not have the mentality the Celtics has, resulting them to lose that game. Additionally, when it comes to defense, they have not been stout this season. Their lack of depth with their perimeter defenders have made it worse for this squad. In offense, they are the 22nd, with 112 points per game, and 28th in defense, giving up 118.7 points per game.
LaMelo Ball is the one leading the Hornets with 24 points per game, but Terry Rozier is also providing numbers for the Hornets with 21. However, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Gordon Hayward remains out for the Hornets.
Prediction:
Boston Celtics
Total Under: 120.5
Odds: 0.87
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