The Charlotte Hornets face the fifth and final game of a road trip, as they visit Boston to take on the Celtics, at TD Garden on Monday evening.
The Hornets (20-20) have hit a slide, as they are 0-4 on their road trip so far. They are coming off a 102-93 loss in Philadelphia on Friday, where they only managed to shoot 32.9 percent from the field and 26.1 percent from long range. NIcolas Batum was the high-point man in the loss with 19, while it was also his first game back after missing two with a knee injury. With Batum back the Hornets are better equipped to break out of their current slump, as he averages 15.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game. Kemba Walker remains the Hornets’ leading scorer, with 22.9 points per game but has not been as consistent recently as he had been early in the season. Jeremy Lamb (foot) will miss his second straight game, as he will remain sidelined through Monday.
Meanwhile, the Celtics (25-15) have won six of their last seven, with the only loss coming in Toronto on Tuesday. However, they bounced back from that loss with two straight wins over other Eastern Conference foes, as they defeated the Wizards and then the Hawks in their most recent game on Friday. Isaiah Thomas lifted Boston over the Hawks, as nailed a step-back jumper to go up-two with only two seconds remaining. Thomas has been the man for Boston all season, averaging 28.2 points and 6.2 assists per game. The Celtics will likely get boost on Monday, as Avery Bradley (achilles) is set to return to action, however Kelly Olynyk (ankle) is questionable to participate. The Celtics hold the fourth spot in the East and can ensure some more security, as they take on the Hornets, another Eastern Conference challenger. The Celtics have won their last six games at home and are 12-6 at home this season.
