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The Charlotte Hornets host the Boston Celtics a day after having their five-game winning streak — both straight up and ATS — snapped by Philadelphia on Saturday.

Just a half game separates teams No. 8 through 10 in the Eastern Conference Play-In race, so this game will be critical for Charlotte, currently in the 10th spot.

It doesn’t seem as critical for Boston, which has a lengthy injury report heading into the showdown. That’s why my Celtics vs. Hornets predictions and NBA picks look for the Hornets to cover as home dogs.

Celtics vs Hornets predictionCeltics vs Hornets best bet: Hornets +1 (-110)

The Charlotte Hornets have stepped up against highly rated opponents this season. The Hornets are 12-8 ATS as a home dog and 27-17 ATS in all games as an underdog. The Hornets also recorded covers against No. 3 New York, No. 8 Orlando, and No. 9 Miami on their recent hot streak.

The Boston Celtics, meanwhile, enter coming off back-to-back covers, but the Celtics seem to be treating Sunday’s game as a load management day. Starting a four-game road trip, as well as this being the first night of a back-to-back, Boston has three of its top four scorers listed as questionable.

Jayson Tatum will be a game-time decision as the team manages his recovery from the major injury. All-Star Jaylen Brown (28.6 points) missed Friday’s game with Achilles tendonitis and is questionable again Sunday.

Derrick White (17.1 points) played after being questionable with a knee contusion on Friday. He has the same status as does 9.8-point scorer Neemias Queta, who also played Friday.

The short-handed Celtics could have trouble on the perimeter. Charlotte has made the most 3-pointers in the NBA and has the third-best accuracy from three. Boston’s defense is in the bottom half of the league in both categories, even when everyone is suited up and healthy.

Charlotte has covered its last three against the Top-4 seeds in the East, including a 29-point win in Boston earlier this month.

Celtics vs Hornets same-game parlay

Both teams rank in the Bottom 6 in pace of play, and their recent games have shown that they aren’t speeding up for the stretch run. Boston has gone Under in three of the last four. Charlotte is on a streak of four straight Unders and has gone Under in seven of 10.

Knueppel, a rookie of the year candidate, leads the NBA in 3-pointers made and has already set the rookie record. He’s also fifth in 3-point percentage. He should have a big day against a Boston team that struggles defending the perimeter and could be missing some wings.

Celtics vs Hornets SGP

• Hornets +1.5
• Under 215.5
• Kon Knueppel Over 17.5 points

Our "from downtown" SGP: Sting like a bee!

Knueppel has made 18 threes in his last five games and 13 in his last three. Miller has made 22 in his last five and has hit at least half his 3-point attempts in three of those games. They're well-positioned to torch the Celtics on the outside.  

Meanwhile, Ball and White should be able to slash and score, with Boston likely missing at least a few of the injured wings and bigs. Ball has scored 20+ in his last six games.

White is shooting 27 percentage points better from the field and 36 points better from three since joining Charlotte at the deadline. He’s scored at least 15 in four of the last five.

Celtics vs Hornets SGP

• LaMelo Ball Over 20.5 points
• Kon Knueppel Over 3.5 threes
• Brandon Miller Over 3.5 threes
• Coby White Over 14.5 points

Celtics vs Hornets odds

• Spread: Celtics -1 | Hornets +1
• Moneyline: Celtics -115 | Hornets -105
• Over/Under: Over 215.5 | Under 215.5

Celtics vs Hornets betting trend to know

The Celtics have gone Under the total in 35 of their last 50 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Hornets.

How to watch Celtics vs Hornets Celtics vs Hornets latest injuries

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