Boston Celtics at Charlotte Hornets Predictions 3/9/22

Boston Celtics (39-27 SU, 32-31-3 ATS) vs. Charlotte Hornets (32-34 SU, 35-29-2 ATS)
When: Wednesday March 09 2022, 07:00 PM (ET)
Where: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
TV: NBCSB

Point Spread: BOS -7.5/CHA +7.5 (Opened BOS -6.5 at BAS)
Total: 226.5 (Opened at 226.5)
Money Line: Boston Celtics -329/Charlotte Hornets 254
Power Rating:

Probable Starting Lineups

Boston Celtics PG Marcus Smart, SG Jaylen Brown, SF Jayson Tatum, PF Al Horford, C Robert Williams
Charlotte Hornets PG LaMelo Ball, SG Terry Rozier, SF Miles Bridges, PF PJ Washington, C Mason Plumlee

Key Injuries

Boston Celtics Aaron Nesmith: Ankle (OUT)

Charlotte Hornets James Bouknight: Neck (QUESTIONABLE) Gordon Hayward: Ankle (OUT)

The Charlotte Hornets host the Boston Celtics in a Eastern Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 07:00 PM ET at the Spectrum Center.

Recent Form

The Boston Celtics come into this game with an overall record of 39-27, placing them 5th in the Eastern Conference. On the season, Boston has won exactly half of their 32 road matchups, sitting at 16-16. Over their last five games, the Celtics have played well, picking up 4 wins. During this stretch, Boston is averaging 115.0 points per game, 5.0 points more than their season average of 109.6. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 112.0 points per contest. Even though Boston has been picking up wins, their opponents have had no trouble scoring the ball, averaging 111.0 points per game, up from the Celtics’ usual rate of 104.1. In the Boston Celtics’ most recent game, Boston took down Brooklyn by a score of 126-120

The Charlotte Hornets come into this game with an overall record of 32-34, placing them 9th in the Eastern Conference. On the season, Boston has won exactly half of their 32 home matchups, sitting at 16-16. Over the Hornets’ last five games, they have picked up just 2 wins. During this stretch, Charlotte is averaging 119.0 points per game, 5.0 points more than their season average of 114.4. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 110.0 points per contest. A key reason for the Hornets’ recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 121.0 points over their last five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 114.8. In the Charlotte Hornets’ most recent game, the team fell to Brooklyn by a score of 132-121.

Individual Player Analysis

As Boston travels to take on the Charlotte Hornets, the Celtics’ leading scorer is Jayson Tatum. Through 62 games, Tatum is averaging 26 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 45.0% of his games. So far, the Hornets are allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 47.27% of their games, placing them 14th among NBA defenses. On the other side, Miles Bridges leads the Hornets in scoring, averaging 19 points across his 64 games. Throughout the season, Bridges has outscored his season average in 52.0% of his outings. On the season, the Celtics have allowed their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 47.17% of their games, giving them a rank of 13rd among NBA defenses.

Matchup Analysis

The Hornets come into this game, as the more efficient offensive team, averaging 109 points per 100 possessions. When playing as the superior offensive unit, Charlotte is winning at a rate of 59%. These wins are coming by an average margin of 12.0 points. On the other side, the Celtics hold the advantage on the defensive end of the floor. So far, they have played 32 games as the better defensive team, picking up 16 wins.

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets have met up for 3 games. In their last meeting, Boston picked up a 113-107 win.

How the Public is Betting the Celtics vs Hornets

67% are betting the Celtics against the spread.
52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 227.0

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
• Celtics are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
• Hornets are 3-1-2 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss.
• Hornets are 4-9-2 ATS in their last 15 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

Heading into this matchup, the Boston Celtics are 7 point road favorites as they continue their ascent up the Eastern Conference Standings. On the season, Boston is an above .500 road team vs the spread, sitting at 17-14-1. On the other side, Charlotte needs to add as many wins as possible if they hope to make a run at avoiding the play-in tournament. Look for the Celtics to pick up a road win and cover the spread, as they will take advantage of a Charlotte defense that has struggled to slow down their opponents. For the year, teams are connecting on three-point shots at a rate of 35% vs the Hornets.