We've got another exciting Eastern Conference matchup on Friday's NBA schedule as the Boston Celtics will visit the Charlotte Hornets. Charlotte is 2-2 overall and 1-1 at home, while Boston is 4-1 overall and 2-1 on the road. The Celtics have won eight of the last nine matchups, including two straight, and Boston went 2-1 versus Charlotte last season. The Hornets are 2-2 against the spread (ATS) in the 2024-25 NBA season, while the Celtics are 3-2 ATS.
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C. Boston is favored by 10.5 points in the latest Hornets vs. Celtics odds, while the over/under is 232.5 points, per SportsLine consensus. Before entering any Celtics vs. Hornets picks, you'll want to see the NBA predictions from the model at SportsLine.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past six-plus seasons. The model enters Week 2 of the 2024-25 NBA season on a sizzling 98-63 roll on all top-rated NBA picks dating back to last season, returning more than $2,900. Anyone following at sportsbooks and on betting apps has seen huge returns.
The model has set its sights on Boston vs. Charlotte. You can head to SportsLine to see its picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Hornets vs. Celtics:
- Celtics vs. Hornets spread: Celtics -10.5
- Celtics vs. Hornets over/under: 232.5 points
- Celtics vs. Hornets money line: Celtics -535, Hornets +395
- Celtics vs. Hornets picks: See picks at SportsLine
- Celtics vs. Hornets streaming: FuboTV (Try for free)
Why the Celtics can cover
The Celtics fought the good fight in their overtime game against the Pacers on Wednesday but wound up with a defeat by a score of 135-132. Despite the loss, the Celtics had strong showings from Jayson Tatum, who earned 37 points plus eight rebounds and four steals, and Derrick White, who went 8 for 9 en route to 23 points.
As the 132-point outing shows, offense isn't a problem for Boston, which leads the NBA in points per game and made 3-pointers per game, while ranking second in offensive rating. The Celtics are also extremely efficient, averaging the second-fewest turnovers per night, and they clamp down on the perimeter on the other end of the court. Boston is holding opponents to the fourth-fewest made 3-pointers per game, as well as the fourth-lowest 3-point percentage. Boston could also face a Charlotte team without one of its best players as Brandon Miller (glute) is questionable to suit up. See which team to pick here.
Why the Hornets can cover
The Hornets are headed in fresh off scoring the most points they have all season as they snuck past the Raptors with a 138-133 win on Wednesday. The Hornets' victory was a true team effort, as Nick Richards dropped a double-double on 24 points and 14 rebounds, Tre Mann had 27 points, and Cody Martin poured in 25 points. Charlotte's bench outscored Toronto's 72-30.
The Hornets are off to a surprisingly strong start thanks to their offense, which is generating extra possessions by leading the NBA in offensive rebounds. Charlotte ranks in the top five in points per game, offensive rating, and 3-point percentage. LaMelo Ball ranks in the top 10 in the league in both points per game (28.5) and assists per game (7.0). Meanwhile, Boston will be shorthanded in the frontcourt as Al Horford (rest) will join Kristaps Porzingis (leg) on the sideline. See which team to pick here.
How to make Hornets vs. Celtics picks
The model has simulated Celtics vs. Hornets 10,000 times and the results are in. We can tell you that the model is leaning Under, and it's also generated a point-spread pick that is hitting in over 60% of simulations. You can only see the pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Hornets vs. Celtics, and which side of the spread hits over 60% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Celtics vs. Hornets spread you need to jump on, all from the model that is on a 98-63 roll on top-rated NBA picks, and find out.
