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Who: Charlotte Hornets vs Boston Celtics
When: 7:00 PM ET
Where: Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte, NC
Watch: CSNE, Fox Sports Southeast
The Charlotte Hornets are back in action on the Eve of Christmas Eve, taking on a frisky Boston Celtics team Wednesday night.
The Hornets are experiencing a bit of a rocky stretch lately, losing their last two games against the Washington Wizards and Houston Rockets en route to dropping to ninth in the Eastern Conference standings. Lurking right behind them in tenth is this Celtics team, fresh off a win the other night against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Both teams have had successful streaks during the course of their season while also having their down stretches as well. Both teams are heading into this matchup looking to get some positive momentum heading into the holidays.
Much to the same tune as the last Hornets opponent, the Celtics are notorious for hoisting threes at high marks, just like our Hornets. The Celtics rank right behind the Hornets in three point attempts per game with 28. What makes them different, however, is the defensive end. Something is going to have to give, as the Celtics are allowing one of the lowest amounts of three point attempts per game. A lot of credit goes to the Celtics perimeter defending duo of Jae Crowder and Avery Bradley, two of the league leaders in steals and more versatile defenders in the league. The Hornets point guards and playmakers who have been tremendous for this team all season long will have their hands full trying to create against this stout perimeter defense.
The Hornets will be without Al Jefferson once again, as he continues to serve his suspension. His absence may especially be felt in this game, as the Hornets will be going up against a deep Celtics frontcourt that features five players capable of coming in and playing twenty minutes any given night. The Hornets' bigs play a lot on the perimeter, with guys like Frank Kaminsky, Spencer Hawes, and Marvin Williams roaming around the three point line in the Hornets offense. This could help them attack the deep frontcourt and pull them out of the paint. The matchup is intriguing from many different angles, and seeing how Coach Steve Clifford gameplans for this well coached Celtics team.