Boston Celtics vs Charlotte Hornets Picks and Predicdtions for Sunday, March 29 2026
Use Code WWWC Boston travels to Charlotte on Sunday in this important Eastern Conference matchup and Celtics vs. Hornets prediction. These teams met just once this season, with the Hornets upsetting Boston 118-89 at home as a 6.5 point favorite on March 4. The Celtics (49-24) have won two straight and four of six games. Charlotte (39-35) had won five straight before falling at home to Philadelphia on Saturday, 118-114. Check out more free NBA picks and more at Winners and Whiners.
Celtics looking to take over the East
Boston sits at 4.5 games behind Detroit for first place in the East with nine games left. But assuming they finish in second place, the Celtics should be the favorite to win the East (+17o on DK), and Detroit, despite being in first, is the fourth favorite, partially due to Cade Cunningham's injury. Boston is in very good shape in that category, although Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum are all listed as questionable for this game. They are two games ahead of the Knicks, but the thought process might be to rest some regular players, as first place may be out of the picture.
In the win over Atlanta on Friday, Tatum scored 26 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and had five assists. They beat a red-hot Hawks' team without Brown, who averages 28.6 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.2 assists. According to DunksandThrees.com, the Celtics rank fourth overall in Adjusted Net Rating, 2nd in Adjusted Offensive Efficiency Rating, and 4th in Adjusted Defensive Efficiency Rating.
Hornets trying to move up in the standings
Charlotte is currently tied with Miami for 9th place in the East, but is just a 1/2 game behind Orlando for 8th place. The loss to Philadelphia could cost them the 6th or 7th spot with the Sixers and Hawks tied at 41-33, a half game behind fifth-place Toronto. So with nine games left, the Hornets have a chance to finish as high as fifth place.
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But the loss to the Sixers on Saturday could be devastating, though Philly had all three stars back for this game in Joel Embiid (29 pts), Paul George (26 pts, 13 rebs) and Tyrese Maxey (26 pts). Braxton Miller led the Horents with 29 points and eight rebounds, while LaMelo Ball added 20 points and eight dimes, but shot just 7 of 26 from the field. Rookie Kon Kneuppel also struggled with 11 points and 11 rebounds, shooting just 3 of 14 from the field.
Miller leads the Hornets with 20.3 points on 43.3% shooting, while Ball (19.7 ppg, 7.1 apg) and Kneuppel (19.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg) follow. According to DunksandThrees, Charlotte ranks 9th overall in Adjusted Net Ranking, 6th in Adjusted Offense and 15th in Adjusted Defense. They have no major injuries at the moment.
Picks and Prediction for Celtics vs. Hornets
Celtics vs. Hornets Picks and Odds
- Charlotte -2 (4 units)
Charlotte is playing for a lot more than the Celtics. Despite playing last night, Charlotte will win a game against a Boston team that will likely rest many key players. Even if they don't, this is a squad that also beat the Knicks at home by 11, Miami by 30, and Orlando by 19 in the last two weeks. They are playing a lot better than being a 10th seed in the East as shown by their metrics (9th overall). Boston beat the Thunder at home so they know they could be a contender not only in the Eastern Conference, but for another title. The best way of winning the East is to be as healthy as possible.
Totals for Celtics vs. Hornets
- Under 215.5 (4 units)
The first meeting went under and three of the last four meetings have gone under between these teams. Charlotte is just 26th in pace of play despite their youthful roster. Boston is at 29th, so both teams are very methodical. Charlotte has gone under in four straight games and five of their last seven. Boston has gone under in three of their last four.
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