The Boston Celtics (11-2) and Charlotte Hornets (3-9) square off Monday with tip-off from Spectrum Center set for 7 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s'lines around the Celtics vs. Hornets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
Season series: First meeting; Boston won 4-0 last year
The Celtics survived a scare by the Memphis Grizzlies Sunday as they snuck away with a 102-100 victory as 10.5-point favorites. Boston had trouble taking care of the ball with 17 turnovers that led to 19 points. G Jaylen Brown had just 12 points on 5-for-16 shooting (31.3%). C Kristaps Porzingis had the go-ahead bucket late as part of his team-leading 26 points. They are 6-5-2 ATS on the season and 2-4-2 on the road.
The Hornets have dropped 4 in a row after the 122-108 loss to the New York Knicks Saturday. They are just 5-7 ATS and 2-5 at home. G LaMelo Ball had 34 points and 9 assists as he’s making an early statement for the All-Star Game. He’s averaging 24.4 points, 5.3 boards, 8.3 dimes and shooting 38.5% from distance.