Celtics-Hornets: How to Watch, Odds, Predictions, More

Boston hopes to return to its winning ways Friday night in Charlotte.

Jan 16, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots a three over Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) during the first quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

After dropping their first game of the season — a 135-132 overtime nailbiter to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday — the 4-1 Boston Celtics are hoping to return to their winning ways on Friday night at the Spectrum Center, against the 2-2 Charlotte Hornets.

How to Watch

Fans in Beantown can tune in via NBC Sports Boston. Fans elsewhere can check out the action on NBA League Pass and Fubo. Fans on the go can tune in via WFNZ 92.7 FM and 98.5 The Sports Hub. The bout tips off at 7 p.m. ET.

Odds

The reigning champs opened the day as -11.5 point favorites, but are currently "just" expected to win by -10.5 points, per sportsbook aggregator The Action Network. All-NBA First Team combo forward Jayson Tatum has been given the top scoring over/under odds, with his line set at 28.5 points. Finals MVP Jaylen Brown is right behind him, with his consensus over/under set at 24.5 points. Hornets All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball's over/under is set at 24 points. No one else is being listed above 17 points.

Predictions

Ball has been great of late. Across four contests, the 6-foot-7 star is averaging 28.5 points on .439/.396/.920 shooting splits, 7.0 assists and 6.0 rebounds, leading his squad in scoring. That said, second-year forward Brandon Miller and pricey wing Miles Bridges are the X-factors. All-Defensive Boston guards Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, plus All-Star Celtics wings Brown and Tatum, will have their work cut out for them in containing this younger, versatile scorers.

That said, should Boston not get caught unaware, it seems likely to at least survive. But don't look for the Celtics to cover. 115-110, Boston.

More

The biggest question mark all year for Boston has been the allocation of minutes for its reserve centers, with Kristaps Porzingis ailing for the first few months of the season. Backup centers Neemias Queta, Luke Kornet and Xavier Tillman have all been toggled around in various contests behind 38-year-old sixth man Al Horford, who's been starting in the stead of Porzingis. Horford, however, is sidelined Friday for rest, according to the NBA's latest injury report. Kornet brings the shooting, Tillman the defense against smaller frontcourt players, Queta the rim protection. Against a younger Hornets squad, Tillman or Queta make the most sense as fits Friday night.

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