Hornets vs. Celtics Preview: Shooting Teams Clash as Celtics Aim to Avoid Back-to-Back Losses

On November 2, the NBA regular season continues with a matchup between the Charlotte Hornets and the defending champion Boston Celtics at the Hornets’ home court.

The Hornets currently have a 2-2 record, placing them 8th in the Eastern Conference. They average 118.5 points per game and allow 119.3 points per game, with a home record of 1-1.

The Celtics are currently 4-1, ranking 2nd in the Eastern Conference. They average 125.8 points per game and allow 114.4 points per game, with an away record of 2-1.

In their last game, the Hornets defeated the Toronto Raptors 138-133. The three key bench players for the Hornets stood out: Mason Plumlee scored a team-high 27 points on 10-of-19 shooting, Cody Martin contributed 25 points on 9-of-11 shooting, and Jalen McDaniels added 17 points on 5-of-6 shooting. In the starting lineup, P.J. Washington contributed 24 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocks on 10-of-14 shooting, while LaMelo Ball recorded 19 points and 6 assists.

This season, six Hornets players average double-digit points. Leading the team, LaMelo Ball averages 28.5 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Mason Plumlee averages 20.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, while Miles Bridges averages 15 points and 6.5 rebounds. P.J. Washington averages 13.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks, Cody Martin averages 11.5 points and 5 rebounds, and Seth Curry averages 9.5 points.

In their last game, the Celtics once trailed by 24 points but managed to tie the game and force overtime, only to fall short against the Indiana Pacers, losing 132-135. Four Celtics players scored in double digits: Jayson Tatum led with 37 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals, Jaylen Brown contributed 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists (though he shot just 1-of-11 from three-point range), Malcolm Brogdon hit all five of his three-point attempts for 23 points, and Marcus Smart added 16 points.

The Celtics have five players averaging double-digit points. Jayson Tatum averages 30.2 points, 7 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 2 steals per game. Jaylen Brown averages 25.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals, Malcolm Brogdon averages 19.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4 assists, Marcus Smart averages 16.2 points, and Aaron Holiday averages 12.2 points and 3.2 assists. Al Horford contributes 9.2 points and 4.4 rebounds per game.

The Celtics currently lead the league in scoring, three-point attempts, and three-point makes, and rank second in three-point percentage. However, they rank last in both interior scoring and interior shooting percentage, highlighting their preference for perimeter shooting over inside play.

The Hornets also prioritize mid-range and long-distance shooting. They rank 4th in scoring, 4th in three-point attempts, 3rd in three-point makes, and 6th in three-point percentage, while ranking 24th in interior scoring and 28th in interior shooting percentage.

In terms of injuries, the Celtics will be without Kristaps Porzingis, and Josh Richardson is questionable. For the Hornets, Devonte’ Graham and Mark Williams remain out, and Jalen McDaniels is questionable.

To some extent, this game will be a showcase of shooting prowess, with both teams vying to outscore each other from beyond the arc.

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