[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]
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)
[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]
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.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
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).
[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.
Access more NBA coverage:
HoopsHype | Bulls Wire | Celtics Wire | Nets Wire | Rockets Wire | Sixers Wire | Spurs Wire | Thunder Wire | Warriors Wire | LeBron Wire | Rookie Wire | List Wire
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]
