:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60659951/usa-today-10403144.0.0.0.jpg)
The Charlotte Hornets are playing the Boston Celtics tonight, one of the NBA's best squads. The Hornets, meanwhile, have put in a dubious display insofar as good basketball is concerned and with each passing day appear more likely to be destined for the lottery come June.
It would be impertinent to suggest their season is over, however. Were they to win, say, 30 of their remaining 49 games, they'd finish this season with a record of 42-40 and might just sneak into the playoffs. I don't think that's unattainable by any means but they'll need to change their tone, and fast.
And that means taking care of the Celtics tonight.
As usual, you can watch tonight's game live on Fox Sports Southeast or League Pass and listen live with WFNZ 610 AM or WFNZ 102.5 FM.
Here are this evening's projected starters:
| Hornets | Position | Celtics |
| Kemba Walker | PG | Kyrie Irving |
| Nicolas Batum | SG | Marcus Smart |
| Michael Kidd-Gilchrist | SF | Jayson Tatum |
| Marvin Williams | PF | Daniel Theis |
| Dwight Howard | C | Al Horford |
Despite injury scares a week ago, expect to see MKG and Marvin suit up and start. That leaves only Cody Zeller out, as rookie Malik Monk was recalled from the G-League earlier today. For the Celtics, Jaylen Brown, Semi Ojeleye, Marcus Morris, and Gordon Hayward are out. The Celtics are a more hobbled than usual and the Hornets would be foolish not to exploit that.
Tipoff is at 7:00 p.m. EST.
Be sure to chat it up below!