The Charlotte Hornets (2-3) welcome the Boston Celtics (5-1) to Spectrum Center Saturday. Tip is set for 6 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Celtics vs. Hornets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Celtics lead 1-0
The Celtics beat the Hornets 124-109 Friday, closing as a 10.5-point road favorite. In the game prior, Boston suffered its first loss of the season in a 135-132 overtime road defeat to the Indiana Pacers. The Celtics sit second in the Eastern Conference (Cleveland is the lone undefeated team in the conference) and are 4-2 against the spread (ATS). They are 2-2 ATS on the road. Boston is led by F Jayson Tatum, who is averaging 30.5 points per game.
The Hornets opened their season up with a 110-105 road win over the Houston Rockets Oct. 23, an impressive showing from the young team. They have lost 3 of their last 4, though, with the lone win coming at home over the Toronto Raptors Wednesday. Charlotte has failed to cover in 3 straight games and is 0-2 ATS as a home underdog. It is led by G LaMelo Ball, who is averaging 29 points per game.
Celtics at Hornets odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated at 9 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Celtics -650 (bet $650 to win $100) | Hornets +450 (bet $100 to win $450)
- Against the spread (ATS): Celtics -10.5 (-115) | Hornets +10.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 231.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Celtics at Hornets key injuries
Celtics
- C Kristaps Porzingis (foot) out
Hornets
- F Brandon Miller (hip) questionable
- C Nick Richards (shoulder) questionable
- C Mark Williams (foot) questionable
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Celtics at Hornets picks and predictions
Prediction
Celtics 124, Hornets 112
Moneyline
PASS.
There’s no value here. The Hornets haven’t fared well at home against comPetent opponents and aren’t worth a play as a steep underdog.
Against the spread
BET CELTICS -10.5 (-110).
The Celtics covered against the Hornets Friday despite shooting 9% worse from downtown. Boston has the more efficient offense and should be able to improve its efficiency from deep. The Celtics are 2-1 ATS as a double-digit favorite this season while the Hornets have struggled at home and are 0-3 ATS at home.
Despite having a 2-3 record, they do sit 17th in net rating while the Celtics rank 4th and have one of the best defenses in the NBA. Considering those trends, expect Boston to put together a better performance offensively and back CELTICS -10.5 (-110).
Over/Under
BET OVER 231.5 (-110).
Both teams rank in the middle of the pack in pace, but the Celtics defense, while solid, has been weaker than a season ago, and the Hornets defense has been among the worst in the NBA. Charlotte sits 29th in defensive rating, only in front of the Raptors.
The Hornets are 2-2-1 O/U, having allowed 124 or more in 3 of their last 4. The Celtics are 3-2-1 O/U and are 2-1-1 O/U on the road, having tallied at least 119 points in all 6 Games this season. With that in mind, back OVER 231.5 (-110).
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