Celtics Look to Bounce Back Against Struggling Hornets

BOSTON, Mass. — The Boston Celtics (59-21) will host the Charlotte Hornets (19-61) at TD Garden on Friday, April 11, 2025. After a disappointing loss to the Orlando Magic, the Celtics aim to end the regular season on a high note against the struggling Hornets, who seek to snap a seven-game road losing streak.

In their last outing, Charlotte suffered a 126-96 defeat to the Toronto Raptors. The Hornets struggled offensively, shooting 43.9% from the field and making only 11 of 35 attempts from beyond the arc. Nick Smith Jr. was a standout for Charlotte, scoring 28 points and recording 10 assists. However, the team’s overall performance has faltered throughout the season as they sit on the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

“We need to use these final games to build for the future,” Smith said after Tuesday’s game. “It’s about finding our rhythm and showing what we can do individually for next season.”

The Hornets, currently ranked 14th in the East, are looking to improve their draft position while dealing with injuries to key players like Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball. Bridges is out with a hip injury, and Ball is recovering from an ankle injury, further complicating the team’s efforts to pull together a competitive game.

In contrast, the Celtics, vying for playoff positioning, face the pressure of maintaining their second seed in the Eastern Conference. The team’s recent loss against the Magic highlighted several areas for improvement, particularly their shooting and rebounding. Despite their challenges, head coach Joe Mazzulla expressed optimism about his squad’s chances.

<p“We have to refocus and utilize this game for momentum heading into the playoffs,” Mazzulla said. “Every game counts, and I believe in our guys to step up.”

Boston’s defense has been solid this season, ranking second in the league by allowing just 107.6 points per game. However, they must capitalize on their defensive strengths to contain a Hornets team that has struggled offensively, averaging just 105.5 points per game.

The Celtics’ roster, bolstered by the return of key players such as Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis, will be crucial for their success. Tatum has been particularly effective recently, scoring an average of 18 points per game in his last ten appearances. The Celtics hope to take advantage of their home court and deliver an impressive performance in front of their fans.

“We need to establish our dominance at home and get back to playing our brand of basketball,” said Tatum. “Every possession matters, and we intend to show that.”

The matchup marks the third meeting this season between the two squads; Boston has won both earlier encounters. Historically, the Celtics have dominated the Hornets, boasting a 79-46 all-time record against them.

As the regular season draws to a close, both teams have different goals—Boston aiming for playoff success and Charlotte looking to develop their young talents. With injuries affecting both rosters, the Celtics are highly favored, but the Hornets will undoubtedly look to disrupt their plans.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET, with local broadcasts on NBC Sports Boston. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the playoff-bound Celtics perform as they face a visibly struggling Hornets team.