The Boston Celtics took care of business against the Charlotte Hornets for the second straight night, claiming a 113-103 victory on Saturday. Although Hornets All-Star point guard LaMelo Ball delivered a strong performance, the Celtics’ depth and style of play ultimately secured them the win. Here are the five takeaways from the contest:
1. The Celtics’ role players stepped up
Payton Pritchard, Luke Kornet, and Jrue Holiday were instrumental in the win. Pritchard found his rhythm from beyond the arc, sinking four of his six three-pointers in the second quarter and finishing with 22 points on 8-for-15 shooting off the bench. Kornet had an impeccable game, going a perfect 6-for-6 from the field and nailing all seven free throws. Holiday, meanwhile, was dependable and efficient, particularly in the fourth quarter, with 13 points, six assists, and five rebounds.
2. Third-quarter struggles
The Celtics hit a rough patch coming out of halftime, allowing the Hornets to go on a 17-2 run, which trimmed Boston’s 18-point halftime lead to just three points. Boston’s three-point shooting, which had been strong earlier, fell flat in the third, going 2-for-15 from beyond the arc. Despite the slump, the Celtics stuck with their perimeter game rather than attacking the paint, something they may look to address in future games.
3. Grant Williams’ absence isn’t being felt
Former Celtic Grant Williams had a lackluster showing on Saturday, giving fans reason to feel confident in Boston’s current rotation. Williams scored just five points and committed five fouls, struggling with consistency and decision-making, including a questionable foul on former teammate Jayson Tatum. This performance highlighted that Boston has moved on smoothly without him.
4. The Celtics thrive without Jaylen Brown
All-Star wing Jaylen Brown, the Finals MVP, sat out with a flexor strain, but the Celtics still didn’t miss a beat. They surged to a 19-point lead in the second quarter, proving that they remain a formidable team even without one of their stars.
5. Boston’s depth is unmatched
Although they were up against a rebuilding Hornets squad, Saturday’s win reinforced the idea that Boston’s depth is a real asset. The Celtics showed they can adapt, rely on various contributors, and remain dangerous from multiple spots on the floor.
As they head into Monday’s final game of their three-game road trip against the Atlanta Hawks, the Celtics continue to demonstrate that they’re more than ready to contend at the highest level, with or without their marquee players.
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Celtics-Hornets: How to Watch, Odds, Predictions, More
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.
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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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Celtics Star Ruled Out For First Game of Back-to-Back vs Hornets
Can the Boston Celtics blow out the Charlotte Hornets for the second straight time in two days?
Probably.
On Friday night, the 5-1 Celtics bested the 2-3 Hornets on the road, 124-109. They’ll be back at the Spectrum Center for an encore beatdown Saturday.
Celtics All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown predictably led the way for Boston. Tatum scored a game-high 32 points on 9-of-19 shooting from the floor (3-of-9 from deep) and 11-of-13 shooting from the foul line, while pulling down 11 rebounds, swiping three steals, dishing out three dimes and blocking a shot. Brown scored 25 points on 8-of-19 shooting from the floor and 9-of-10 shooting from the charity stripe (let’s not talk about his 0-of-6 night from deep), grabbed six boards, dished out five dimes, nabbed a steal and blocked a shot.
All-Defensive guards Jrue Holiday (14 points) and Derrick White (17 points) scored in double figures, while reserve Neemias Queta (12 points) had a more impactful offensive night than third-string center Luke Kornet, who had been elevated to a starting role in the absence of both Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford.
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