Charlotte Hornets vs Boston Celtics Picks and Predictions November 2nd 2024

Hornets vs Celtics November 2nd 2024

At 6:00 ET, the Celtics (-576) will travel to Charlotte to take on the Hornets (+424) in an Eastern Conference matchup. The over/under line is currently set at 231.

Charlotte is currently 2-3 on the year, while Boston sits at 5-1. NBCS will have the television coverage for this game.

Celtics vs. Hornets Key Information

The Celtics improved to 5-1 on the season with a 124-109 road win over the Hornets on Friday. Boston, favored by -10.5, covered the spread, and the game’s total points landed right on the O/U line of 233.

Boston’s 10-0 run turned the game early, as they went from trailing 29-23 to leading 33-29. After a high-scoring 2nd quarter where Charlotte outscored Boston 42-31, the Celtics clamped down defensively, holding the Hornets to 19 points in the 3rd. Boston entered the 4th with a 92-86 lead and finished strong, outscoring Charlotte 32-23 in the final period.

Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 32 points and 11 rebounds in their win over the Hornets, scoring 16 points in the first quarter. Jaylen Brown added 25 points, with 12 coming in the second quarter.

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The Celtics struggled from three-point range, hitting just 31% and making 13 threes. Overall, they shot 47.7% from the field.

Despite a rough 2nd quarter where the Celtics gave up 42 points, they tightened up defensively in the 3rd, allowing just 19 points to help secure the win. Overall, they held the Hornets to 109 points on 46% shooting.

Boston sent Charlotte to the line only 12 times, where they made 6 free throws. The Celtics also collected 12 steals and recorded 5 blocks in the game.

The Hornets fell to 2-3 on the season after a 124-109 home loss to the Celtics on Friday. Charlotte, who entered the game as +10.5 point underdogs, failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game landed exactly on the O/U line of 233.

Boston took control early with a 10-0 run, extending their lead from 29-23 to 33-29. Charlotte responded with a strong 2nd quarter, outscoring the Celtics 42-31. However, the Hornets couldn’t sustain the momentum, scoring just 19 points in the 3rd quarter. Heading into the 4th down 92-86, Charlotte was outscored 32-23 in the final period.

Jayson Tatum’s 32 points and 11 rebounds led the Celtics to a 124-109 win over the Hornets, with 16 of his points coming in the 1st quarter. Jaylen Brown added 25 points, including 12 in the 2nd quarter, while Derrick White contributed 17 points.

Boston shot 47.7% from the field, but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 31% of their threes, making 13 in total. White and Tatum each made 3 threes, with Tatum shooting 33.3% from deep.

The Hornets gave up 124 points to the Celtics on Friday, including 40 in the 1st quarter and 32 in the 4th. They had a strong 3rd quarter defensively, allowing just 21 points. Overall, the Celtics shot 47% from the field.

Charlotte limited Boston’s three-point shooting, holding them to 13 made threes on 31% shooting. The Celtics went to the line 35 times, making 29 free throws. The Hornets finished with 5 steals and 5 blocks.

Coming in as the underdogs at +11, we have the Hornets as the way to go on the point spread. Not only do we have them covering, but our projections show they have a good one of winning this one straight-up, if you’re looking for a higher payout on the moneyline.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 231 and our model has the Celtics and Hornets finishing with a combined 271 points. Our pick is to take the over.

Hornets Seek Redemption Against Celtics in Feisty Rematch

The Charlotte Hornets have another shot at redemption against the Boston Celtics on Saturday night after a fiery game on Friday where the Celtics emerged victorious, 124-109. This back-to-back matchup in Charlotte provides an opportunity for both teams to recalibrate, as well as a second look at Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla’s defense against the aggressive Hornets offense led by LaMelo Ball.

Familiar Faces and Fiery Fouls

The matchup has an interesting dynamic, with Charlotte head coach Charles Lee formerly serving as a Celtics assistant, which has helped foster a healthy respect between the teams. Boston guard Jaylen Brown commented on Lee’s approach: “He’s handling it with grace. I wish him well, just not in this series.”

However, the series is marked by intensity that boiled over on Friday, especially when former Celtic Grant Williams was ejected following a hard foul on Jayson Tatum. The incident stirred emotions, with Brown calling it “for-sure intentional” and comparing it to a football tackle. For his part, Williams downplayed the intent, telling NBC Sports, “Probably not a hard foul, definitely not intentional. Not trying to hurt anybody.” Mazzulla expressed relief that Tatum emerged unscathed and praised his quick recovery, saying, “What I like most is that he jumped right up… didn’t really faze him.”

Celtics’ Strong Finish and Key Adjustments

Boston’s Friday win hinged on a late-game surge that saw them outscore Charlotte 24-10 in the final 7 ½ minutes, largely thanks to 15 points from the free-throw line. Jayson Tatum led with 32 points and 11 rebounds, showcasing his scoring touch despite a physical game. Joe Mazzulla’s perimeter defense, however, remains a concern as the Celtics allowed the Hornets to drain 19 3-pointers, with six Charlotte players hitting multiple treys.

Mazzulla’s defense will have to tighten up on the perimeter if Boston hopes to keep Charlotte in check. The Celtics also hope to prevent the kind of scrappy fouls and technical tensions that erupted last game. Mazzulla, who was also given a technical in the fourth quarter, will likely work on better game management to maintain composure during heated moments.

Hornets Look to Build Off LaMelo Ball and Rising Rookies

LaMelo Ball impressed with 31 points in 31 minutes, giving the Celtics trouble with his three-point shooting and quick drives. The Hornets were also encouraged by 19-year-old rookie Tidjane Salaun, who showed grit in his 19 minutes off the bench, contributing nine points and six rebounds. “I loved his energy tonight,” Lee said. “He brings another layer of length and athleticism.”

Salaun’s breakout performance gives Charlotte added depth, especially with the loss of Grant Williams and Miles Bridges to ejections last game. Coach Lee will want to see how Salaun and the rest of the bench can support Ball and the Hornets’ outside shooters.

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The Hornets were frustrated by the disparity in free-throw opportunities, taking only 12 attempts to Boston’s 35. Coach Lee, assessed a technical foul in the fourth quarter after expressing frustration about the officiating, will be looking for a fairer distribution of calls this time around.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. LaMelo Ball vs. Celtics Defense
   Ball’s ability to penetrate and shoot from beyond the arc makes him a primary target for Boston’s defenders. Tatum, Brown, and Mazzulla will look to limit his impact by closing down space and forcing tough shots.
2. Grant Williams and Celtics Rebounding
   Williams’ physicality on the boards will be essential in this rematch, but Boston has struggled against teams with strong rebounding, especially with the dynamic Salaun stepping up for the Hornets.
3. Rookie Tidjane Salaun’s Development
   Salaun’s length and energy off the bench could provide a spark for Charlotte. His athleticism will test Boston’s second unit as he looks to make an impact again.

The Hornets, eager to snap their four-game skid, aim to exploit Boston’s defensive lapses on the perimeter while keeping the physicality under control. The Celtics, meanwhile, seek to stay focused and maintain their momentum as they push for a more polished finish in the second of this two-game series.