The big picture

Boston Celtics come in 4th on the ladder; Charlotte Hornets are 21st. Boston Celtics have the higher position to protect.

Boston Celtics are 7–2 in NBA 2026-27, averaging 114.8 points for and 105.1 against.

Charlotte Hornets are 3–7 in NBA 2026-27, averaging 96.3 points for and 110.2 against.

Form

Boston Celtics have won four of their last five and most recently beat Charlotte Hornets 119–80.

Charlotte Hornets have won zero of their last five and most recently lost to Boston Celtics 80–119.

Charlotte Hornets have lost their last six.

Head to head

These sides have met 46 times on our records since 2001: Boston Celtics 36, Charlotte Hornets 10.

Last time out (2026-27), Boston Celtics won 119–80 at Spectrum Center.

Boston Celtics have won the last three against Charlotte Hornets.

Biggest margin between these two: Boston Celtics by 39 points in 2026-27 (119–80).

Players to watch

For Boston Celtics, watch Jayson Tatum (27.9 points a game, 50 rebounds in 2026-27) and Paul George (19.6 points a game, 44 rebounds in 2026-27).

For Charlotte Hornets, watch Brandon Miller (20.6 points a game, 50 rebounds in 2026-27) and Naz Reid (16.6 points a game, 81 rebounds in 2026-27).

Milestone watch

Grayson Allen is set to play game 500.

At TD Garden

Boston Celtics have won 18 of their last 23 at TD Garden.

What the numbers say

On form, ladder and history, Boston Celtics go in as clear favourites.