Up next Celtics @ Hornets

After a short and somewhat disappointing 3 games at home, Boston plays the Hornets in Charlotte tonight.  The tipoff time is scheduled for 7 PM.

The Hornets have dropped 2 straight games including a 122-119 OT loss to Philly.  Kemba Walker was insane, scoring 60 points.  The NBA wanted more scoring and that is what they are getting.    Did you know this was the 2nd time this year that they lost an OT game to Philly?  On Nov 9th they got beat 133-132

The Hornets are 7-8 on the year.  Although they are currently in 8th place they have a better point differential than Boston at +4.6, averaging 114.9 PPG and surrendering 110.3.  They put up 34 3PA per game and are hitting .353.  They are a good rebounding team and they only turn the ball over 12.3 times per game.

Marvin Williams and Batum start at forward and Cody Zeller starts in the middle.  Walker is the PG and Jeremy Lamb is the SG.

They have a very deep bench.  As a matter of fact they have two guards coming off the bench that are averaging double figures.  Malik Monk at 11.4 and Tony Parker  10.0.  Their bench is definitely as good and as deep as Boston.  They also drafted Miles Bridges.  Willy Hermangomez is the BU center and they also have  Kidd-Gilchrist, Dwayne Bacon and Devonte Graham.  Kiminsky and Bismack Biyombo are not even playing.  Their main scorers are Walker 28 PPG  (takes 10 3 point shots per game),  Jeremy Lamb average 13 and Monk and Parker are the other two guy averaging double figures.  They have 8 players who average at least 4 rebounds per game and like Boston they do not have a dominate glass eater.

The keys to the game for Boston:

On defense they are going to need to check Walker and run him off that 3 point line.  He takes 10 per game which is second in the league behind Harden and Curry at 11.  Walker is also pretty nifty off the dribble so you really have a double threat here.    Monk is the other gunner from deep.  It should be an interesting matchup with Parker/Monk vs Rosier/Smart.  They have a lot of wings just like we do so Hayward and Tatum and Brown need to be on their toes.  Al should win the Zeller matchup at center and Baynes will need to neutralize Hermangomez off the bench.

On offense the Celtics need to reduce their volume of 3 points shots and they really need to make the ones they take at a higher percentage.  They do not have a rim protector so taking it to the rim should be a priority.  We also need to play with pace.  How about a little fast break basketball.  They do not run a lot but they do play with pace putting up 93 shots a game.  I think there may be some offensive rebounds to be had.  They are more careful with the ball than Boston.  Turnovers must be kept to a minimum.  Let's see if Boston can get Gordon more shots.  Overall they need excellent ball movement and more patience.    I think Boston is a better team but Charlotte cannot be overlooked.  They can put up more than enough points to beat Boston.