Both the Boston Celtics (32-41) and the Charlotte Hornets (31-41) are currently on the outside of the Eastern Conference’s playoffs picture looking in. The Celtics are just one-half back of the eighth place Brooklyn Nets, while the Hornets trail Boston by also the same margin. Will the Celtics strengthen their chances of getting into the postseason with a win? Or will the Hornets add more drama to the race by beating their visitors? You can also click here for a detailed breakdown of Spurs vs. Heat.
Boston’s hunt for a playoff spot took a step back Sunday night, as the Celtics suffered a 119-106 home loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. Nevertheless, they’re still in the thick of the race for the east’s final ticket to the postseason. Boston is 6-4 ATS in its last 10 road games.
[sc:NBA240banner ]Boston’s defense was absolutely abused in the game against the Clippers, who went 41-of-84 from the field for a 48.8 percent shooting clip. That includes them going 13-of-32 (40.6%) from beyond the arc. Charlotte isn’t as high-scoring as the Clippers, but the Celtics can’t sleep on the Hornets, who has averaged 99.3 points per game over the two teams’ three meetings thus far this season. Boston is 23rd in the NBA in defense, surrendering 101.4 points per game. Boston’s offense, however, looks to be in better shape than its defense.
The Celtics are putting up 100.6 points per game, good for 14th in the league. The team’s bench is one of the best in the NBA, and its ability to rack up points was on full display in the Clippers game, where Boston got 63 points from its bench. Backup guard Isaiah Thomas led the reserves (and the team) with 19 points, while three more Celtics relievers finished with at least 10 points.
Head coach Brad Stevens expects his bench to play a big role tonight having seen Thomas and company roast Charlotte’s defense for 60 bench points in Boston’s 106-98 win over the Hornets on February 27. Thomas is averaging 18.5 points over the last two games.
Charlotte stopped its three-game skid on Saturday, as the Hornets beat the Atlanta Hawks 115-100. The team the Hornets beat in that game, however, was a watered-down version of the Hawks, who elected to rest four of its starters. Charlotte won’t be as lucky in its next game, as it welcomes a complete Boston team.
Against the Hawks, Charlotte was led by spitfire guard Kemba Walker, who scored 21 points and added six assists and five boards. Walker is having difficulty finding his shot since coming back from a long absence to heal from a knee injury, averaging just 14 points on 32.6 percent shooting over the last 10 Hornets games. He may be due for a big game against Boston, considering that he’s averaged 25.5 points in two games played versus the Celtics this season.
Al Jefferson, meanwhile, is also itching to take the floor again after a pathetic two-point performance against Atlanta. Jefferson should have a better night this time around against Boston’s interior defense that gives up 44.6 points in the paint per game. Jefferson is averaging 17 points and 8.6 rebounds per game on the season.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (ankle) and Cody Zeller (shoulder) meanwhile remains on the injury list, so expect the pair of Marvin Williams and Jeff Taylor to get Steve Clifford’s nod to start again later tonight. Williams is averaging 9.4 points over Charlotte’s last five games, while Taylor scored nine points on 27 minutes against Atlanta.
