Boston can clinch a playoff berth in a variety of ways. Win, and the Celtics are in. A Raptors loss or a Knicks win will also secure a spot in the postseason for the Celtics.
In the group’s last game, the Celtics turned away the red-hot Hawks, winning 109-102. Atlanta had won 14 of their last 15 games entering Thursday’s game.
The Hornets claimed the first meeting of the season on Mar. 4, dominating en route to a 118-89 decision.
Get Starting Point
Charlotte (39-35) occupies the final play-in spot in the Eastern Conference. Here’s the preview:
When: Sunday, 6 p.m.
Where: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, N.C.
TV, radio: NBCSB, WROR-FM 105.7
Line: Boston -1. O/U: 216.0.
CELTICS
Season record: 49-24. vs. spread: 42-31. Over/under: 26-47
Last 10 games: 7-3. vs. spread: 5-5. Over/under: 4-6
HORNETS
Season record: 39-35. vs. spread: 46-27, 1 push. Over/under: 28-46
Last 10 games: 7-3. vs. spread: 5-5. Over/under: 3-7
TEAM STATISTICS
Points per game: Boston 114.1, Charlotte 116.3
Points allowed per game: Boston 106.9, Charlotte 111.7
Field goal percentage: Boston .463, Charlotte .460
Opponent field goal percentage: Boston .441, Charlotte .467
3-point percentage: Boston .361, Charlotte .381
Opponent 3-point percentage: Boston .356, Charlotte .359
Stat of the day: The Celtics average 15.2 made 3-pointers per game –– good for third in the league — while shooting 36.1 percent from downtown.
Notes: The Hornets are 7-3 in their last 10 games … The teams will meet for a third and final time on April 7 in Boston … Following a five-game winning streak, the Hornets lost to the 76ers, 118-114, on Saturday … Derrick White leads the team with 2.8 made 3-pointers per game. He shoots 32.3 percent from beyond the arc … Boston has won six of its last seven contests … Sunday’s game kicks off a four-game road trip for the Celtics … Jaylen Brown (left Achilles tendonitis), Neemias Queta (right thumb sprain), and Derrick White (right knee contusion) are all questionable to play … Nikola Vucevic will not play as he recovers from a fractured right ring finger.
Cam Kerry can be reached at [email protected].
