The Charlotte Hornets (43-36) and Boston Celtics (53-25) will square off in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET from TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The game will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock.
The Celtics are 4.5-point favorites over the Hornets on the spread (Celtics -4.5), with the over/under set at 220.5 total points. Boston is a -225 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Charlotte is +185 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Hornets vs. Celtics predictions and NBA picks for Tuesday, April 7.
Hornets vs Celtics Prediction, Pick
- Hornets vs Celtics pick: LaMelo Ball Over 26.5 Points & Assists (-125)
My Celtics vs. Hornets best bet is on LaMelo Ball to combine for over 26.5 points & assists. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NBA odds page.
Hornets vs Celtics Odds
| Hornets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4.5 -102 | 220.5 -112o / -108u | +185 |
| Celtics Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4.5 -118 | 220.5 -112o / -108u | -225 |
Hornets vs Celtics NBA Preview
The Hornets are in a three-way tie for seventh place in the Eastern Conference with the 76ers and Magic. They are also only 0.5 games behind the Raptors for sixth place, who plays against the Heat tonight, sitting in 10th.
Also, following last night's loss, the Hawks are still in fifth place, but they are 1.5 games up on the Raptors, and at least two games up on everyone else.
The Celtics don't really need to win this game. It doesn't mean they won't try to win it, because it's a very good playoff dress rehearsal, and it's against a team they have a shot at seeing in the first round.
But, Boston is basically locked into the 2-seed. The Celtics can't catch Detroit, and they are 2.5 games ahead of the Knicks, who have three games left.
The Hornets have two injuries for tonight. Coby White (groin) is probable and has been regularly in. Two-way big PJ Hall (ankle) is out. Meanwhile, Boston has a clean injury report, for now.
Hornets vs Celtics Predictions, Betting Analysis
I like LaMelo Ball's points & assists over tonight; this has been one of my favorites lately. So, I'll go back to the well here.
In games where Ball is logging at least 28 minutes, he's gone over 26.5 PA in 26-of-36. Ball is at 28 in mostly non-blowouts.
Charlotte needs this game. Ball is generating volume, and will play barring injuries, a blowout, or foul trouble. He's averaging 22-and-7 in his last 13 outings.
Pick: LaMelo Ball Over 26.5 Points & Assists (-125)
