Celtics vs. Hornets: Preview, Odds, and Key Players for Friday’s NBA Matchup

The Boston Celtics and the Charlotte Hornets are set to face off in an exciting Eastern Conference matchup on Friday, November 1, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C. The Celtics, currently 4-1 overall and 2-1 on the road, are favored by 10.5 points against the Hornets, who stand at 2-2 overall and 1-1 at home.

The Celtics are coming off an overtime loss to the Indiana Pacers and a narrow win over the Detroit Pistons, highlighting some of their recent struggles with slow starts. Despite this, they remain one of the top teams in the NBA, with Jayson Tatum expected to play a crucial role, especially with Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford out due to injury.

The Hornets, meanwhile, are looking to capitalize on their strong offensive performance, having recently scored the most points in a game this season with a 138-133 win over the Toronto Raptors. LaMelo Ball has been a key player for Charlotte, averaging 28.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game. The potential return of Brandon Miller could further boost the Hornets’ offense, although his status is currently questionable.

Defensively, the Hornets have faced significant challenges, particularly against high-scoring teams like the Celtics. Boston’s ability to shoot from three-point range and their overall firepower are expected to pose significant difficulties for Charlotte’s defense.

The betting odds reflect Boston’s dominance, with the Celtics at -535 on the moneyline and the Hornets at +395. The over/under is set at 232.5 points, with the Celtics favored to cover the spread.