The Boston Celtics (4-1) visit the Charlotte Hornets (2-2) on Friday. Tip from Spectrum Center is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Celtics vs. Hornets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: First meeting; Celtics won 2 of 3 meetings in 2023-24
Boston dropped its first game of the season on Wednesday with a 135-132 overtime loss against Indiana while failing to cover as a 6.5-point road favorite. F Jayson Tatum scored a game-high 37 points as the team shot 40.4% from the field in the loss.
Charlotte snapped a 2-game losing streak with a 138-133 win against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, but failed to cover as a 6-point home favorite. G Tre Mann scored a team-high 27 points while C Nick Richards had a double-doube (24 points, 14 rebounds).
Celtics at Hornets odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated at 9:15 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Celtics -600 (bet $600 to win $100) | Hornets +425 (bet $100 to win $425)
- Against the spread (ATS): Celtics -10.5 (-115) | Hornets +10.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 231.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Celtics at Hornets key injuries
Celtics
- F Sam Hauser (back) probable
- C Kristaps Porzingis (foot) out
Hornets
- F Brandon Miller (glute) questionable
- C Mark Williams (foot) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Celtics at Hornets picks and predictions
Prediction
Celtics 127, Hornets 112
Moneyline
PASS.
There is no value betting on the Celtics (-600) to win Friday.
Against the spread
BET CELTICS -10.5 (-115).
Boston has covered the spread in 3 of its 5 games, including 2 of 3 when it plays as a 9-point or more favorite. Charlotte has failed to cover the spread in both of its home games. Between Tatum and G Jaylen Brown, the Celtics will win big on Friday.
Over/Under
BET OVER 231.5 (-115).
The Celtics have scored 119 or more points in each game this season while allowing 118 points or more in 2 of their last 3 games. They have hit the Over in 3 of their 5 games. The Hornets have scored 120 or more in 2 of their last 3 games while allowing 125 points or more in 2 of their last 3.
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