The Charlotte Hornets (32-39) will be 3.5-point underdogs at home in the Spectrum Center when they challenge the Boston Celtics (43-29). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 222 points and action begins at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 23, 2019.
Boston Celtics vs. Charlotte Hornets ATS Odds
Both teams covered in their last contest. The Hornets (5.5-point favorites) beat the Minnesota Timberwolves, 113-106, while the Celtics (3.5-point underdogs) were defeated by the Philadelphia 76ers, 118-115. The Charlotte game went 4.5 points under the projected point total of 223.5, while the Boston game finished 9 points over the projected point total of 224.
The Hornets had a great offensive rebounding percentage of 27.3 (above their season average of 22.0) and had a turnover percentage of 8.3 (better than their season average of 10.8). Boston, on the other hand, held Philadelphia to an effective field goal percentage of 0.439 (below their season average of 0.534). Charlotte was led by Kemba Walker, who had 31 points, six assists and five rebounds. Kyrie Irving led the way for Boston, putting up 36 points and nine rebounds.
In the season series between these two teams, the Celtics lead two games to one. The two teams combined for 220 points in their most recent game, which was over the projected point total of 214.5. Boston won 126-94, covering as an 8-point favorite. Making free throws was one of Boston’s largest strengths. They were 14-16 (87.5 percent), while the Hornets were just 3-7 (42.9 percent). Jaylen Brown recorded a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds.
Games featuring the Celtics tend to finish over the projected point total (55.6 percent). Boston heads into the contest with records of 43-29 straight up (SU) and 34-36-2 against the spread (ATS).
Games involving the Hornets have a slight tendency to go over the projected point total (54.9 percent). Further, Charlotte is 32-39 SU and 31-38-2 ATS.
Boston may have trouble getting to the charity stripe in this battle. The Celtics rank 29th in the NBA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.173, while Charlotte ranks third in FTA rate allowed (0.184).
Boston Celtics at Charlotte Hornets Free Pick
NBA Prediction: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Boston ranks second in blocks allowed per game (3.9) while Charlotte ranks 29th (6.1).
- The Celtics rank sixth in assists per game (26.4) while the Hornets rank 23rd in assists allowed per game (25.7).
- Boston ranks fourth in points off turnovers per game (18.6) while Charlotte ranks 17th (16.0).
- Boston ranks seventh in fast break points per game (16.1) while Charlotte ranks 13th in fast break points allowed per game (13.4).
- The Celtics rank fourth in steals per game (8.8) while the Hornets rank 21st (7.0).
- The Celtics rank fifth in points allowed in the paint per game (45.8) while the Hornets rank 17th (49.0).
- Boston averages 34.9 three pointers per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. Charlotte ranks 23rd in three pointers allowed per game (33.3).
- In games where they allow below 100 points, Boston is 15-4 and Charlotte is 10-4.
- In games where they reach the century mark, the Celtics are 43-22 and the Hornets are 31-27.
- Charlotte is 17-18-2 ATS at home, while Boston is 14-19-2 ATS on the road.
- The Celtics have 18 overs and 17 unders in 35 road games.
- Of the Hornets’ 37 home games, they have 19 overs and 18 unders.
Bettings Trends:
- The Hornets are 2-3 ATS over their last five games, while the Celtics are 1-4.
- In their last five games, Charlotte has 3 unders and 2 overs, while Boston has 4 overs and 1 under.
- During their last five games, the Hornets have scored an average of 104.8 points per game (5.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 109.0 points per game (2.5 below their season average).
- The Celtics have been outscored by an average of 4.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Boston has defeated opponents by an average of 5.0 points.
