Boston Celtics vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 12/04/2024, 06:01  by Joseph King | Modified on 12/04/2024 at 07:01 in NBA Predictions

The Eastern Conference leading Boston Celtics host the Charlotte Hornets Friday evening in the NBA for the penultimate game in the regular season. Boston has the top seed wrapped up in the East and will finish with the best record in the NBA with their 62-18 record. They’re coming off two straight defeats after losses to the Bucks and the Knicks, the latter of which occurred last night and finished 118-109. It’s certainly a tricky spot betting on these final few games given motivation concerns and the potential resting of key players. Additionally, the Celtics are playing the second half of a back-to-back which lends further credence to the idea that they might rest some of their big names. With that being said, Jayson Tatum has made it known that he hates missing games so we don’t think it’s a foregone concussion that Boston automatically is going to be short handed here.

As for the Hornets, their season has long been over as their 20-60 record has them sitting 13th in the Eastern Conference. Charlotte is coming off a narrow 115-114 away win over the Hawks on Wednesday, which saw them mount a big fourth quarter comeback to steal the win. It was a result that snapped a two-game losing streak for the Hornets and represented only the team’s second victory in the last eight games. The Hornets have had a difficult season which has seen them deal with injury problems and inconsistent play. The only real bright spots on the team at the moment are Mikal Bridges, Grant Williams and rookie Brandon Miller. While the visitors will have the rest advantage, they still come into this one as heavy underdogs with the team having won only nine of their 39 away trips so far.