Charlotte Hornets vs Boston Celtics GameThread

The Hornets trailed by 19 points in the third quarter last night, but were able to put forth a tremendous second half effort and defeat the Miami Heat 97-91. It was sweet revenge since the Heat knocked the Hornets out of the playoffs at American Airlines Arena in a game seven last season. Tonight, the Hornets return home where a warm welcome and a newly named arena is waiting.

The Celtics, who added Al Horford in the offseason are off two a 1-1 start and are picked by many to take a top three seed in the East this season. The Celtics also added Gerald Green and drafted Jaylen Brown with their third pick in this past summer's draft. As for departures, both Evan turner and Jared Sullinger left for new starts in Portland and Toronto.

You can read more about the Celtics offseason and preview here

What: Hornets vs Celtics
When: Oct. 29, 2016 at 7 p.m.
Where: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
TV: Fox Sports Southeast, NBA League Pass
Radio: WFNZ 610 AM, WFNZ 102.5 FM

Roy Hibbert is out for Charlotte, meaning Cody Zeller will most likely have a bigger responsibility tonight. Frank Kaminsky, however, is available tonight. Hibbert left early in last night's game with right knee soreness.

As for the Celtics, Marcus Smart and Kelly Olynyk will remain out, which means the Hornets are playing a lighter Boston rotation.

Here are tonight's starting lineups, assuming Roy Hibbert is out or limited:

Look for the Hornets to rely on their bench again tonight, who scored 51 points out of the 97. Jeremy Lamb was excellent with 16, and Marco Belinelli added 12. Also, fans can certainly expect the same from Kemba Walker after a 24-point performance last night, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist should be able to fill up the box score similar to the way he did against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Charlotte is excited to welcome home a 2-0 team, looking to help them start a perfect 3-0.