Celtics vs. Hornets Prediction, Odds and Key Players to Watch for Friday, Nov. 1 (Bet on Boston?)

Betting odds, pick and prediction for the Boston Celtics-Charlotte Hornets matchup on Friday night.

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum. / David Butler II-Imagn Images

The Boston Celtics have turned in some down performances as of late, losing to the Indiana Pacers in overtime and barely pulling out a win over the Detroit Pistons.

Boston is still the best team in the NBA until proven otherwise, but slow starts have plagued Joe Mazzulla’s club this season. 

Can the C’s get back on track as major favorites on the road against the Charlotte Hornets?

The Hornets are 2-2 through four games, but they have failed to cover the spread on two occasions. With Brandon Miller (questionable) potentially returning tonight, Charlotte could keep things close at home.

Here’s a breakdown of the odds, key players to watch and my best bet for Friday’s matchup. 

Celtics vs. Hornets Odds, Spread and Total

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

Spread

• Celtics -10.5 (-112)
• Hornets +10.5 (-108)

Moneyline

• Celtics: -535
• Hornets: +400

Total

• 232 (Over -112/Under -108)

Celtics vs. Hornets How to Watch

• Date: Friday, Nov. 1
• Time: 7:00 p.m. EST
• Venue: Spectrum Center
• How to Watch (TV): NBC Sports Boston, Bally Sports
• Celtics record: 4-1
• Hornets record: 2-2

Celtics vs. Hornets Injury Reports

Celtics Injury Report

• Sam Hauser – probable
• Kristaps Porzingis – out
• Al Horford – out
• Anton Watson – out
• Drew Peterson – out

Hornets Injury Report

• Brandon Miller – questionable
• DaQuan Jefferies – out
• Mark Williams – out

Celtics vs. Hornets Key Players to Watch

Boston Celtics

Jayson Tatum: After a down game against the Bucks, Tatum responded in the overtime loss to Indiana, scoring 37 points while shooting 10-for-25 from the field. The C’s need Tatum to keep scoring at a high rate – especially with Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford out. 

Charlotte Hornets 

LaMelo Ball: When LaMelo Ball plays, the Hornets can compete with just about anyone. The star guard is averaging 28.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game while shooting 39.6 percent from 3. 

Celtics vs. Hornets Prediction and Pick

Boston may not be starting as fast as it did last season, but it has found a way to get back in games – like the Indiana matchup – no matter the deficit. 

Boston’s 3-point shooting is the great equalizer, and if Miller doesn’t play on Friday, the Hornets may lack the offensive firepower to hang with Boston in this matchup. 

It’s possible that the loss to the Pacers motivates this C’s team to bounce back, and the Hornets have struggled at home (0-2 against the spread) so far this season. 

Pick: Celtics -10.5 (-112)

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Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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Find Peter Dewey's NBA betting record here (futures included). You can also follow my daily plays on  BetStamp here.