Hornets vs Boston Celtics Betting Line
The New Orleans Hornets (18-14) travel to the frozen eastern seaboard New Year’s Eve to battle the injury depleted Boston Celtics (24-6). Tip-off at TD Bank Garden is set for a 3 pm matinee. The betting lines for this one will be directly related to test results on Kevin Garnett’s calf/knee. KG was hurt in Wednesday’s 12 point loss at Detroit and speculation is running wild all over Beantown. Reports late Wednesday said Garnett will be out a few weeks. Boston is favored by 4.5 at Bodog and Sportsbook.com.
New Orleans Hornets vs Boston Celtics Game Preview
New Orleans has had a respectable season to date. They stand at 18-14 and third in the Southwest and are a definite playoff team. Contending among the elite however, is a ways away. Chris Paul is among the per game team leaders in points (16.9), assists (9.8) and steals (2.8) not to mention Sportscenter highlights. He is a versatile and quick point guard that will dominate anyone in the league. Friday with Rajon Rondo sidelined for Boston, Paul could easily go off for 25+.
The Hornets are the 26th best team on offense and 4th best on defense. Odd, considering this team was originally built for run and gun. The big guy in the middle for New Orleans is former UConn star Emeka Okafur. He averages 9.6 boards and 1.8 blocks per game. Power forward David West is the team scoring leader with 18.9 per game. The Hornets are coming off a 15 point blowout loss to the Los Angeles Lakers and making the cross country trip will do little to help their odds of finding a win.
Boston owns the eastern conference’s best record but is teetering on the brink of a collapse. Guard Rajon Rondo has played only 20 games and missed the Detroit contest. Forward Kendrick Perkins isn’t expected back until mid-February, shooting guard Delonte West has only played in five games and now Kevin Garnett is down with a lower leg/knee injury. General manager Danny Ainge reported the injury as not serious but could sideline the Celtic star for two weeks. For Celtics fans, it sounds a lot like last seasons when Garnett went down and so did Boston.
Shooting guard Ray Allen is averaging 16.8 points and forward Paul Pierce is pouring in 18.9 per game. Can Boston rely on these two older players to carry the team? Shaquille O’Neal patrols in inside along with Jermaine O’Neal giving Boston the NBA’s best defense surrendering just 91.3 points a game. Big Baby Glen Davis had been coming off the bench for Boston but might be pressed into a larger role with Garnett down.
Teams often rally when star players are hurt. Boston is one of the best at doing this and head coach Doc Rivers is excellent at using his personnel. Boston should win, but I don’t think they’ll cover the 4.5 points.
I’m taking the Hornets +4.5 at Bodog Sportsbook, and you should too.
