Celtics vs. Hornets NBA expert prediction and odds for Monday, Nov. 20

The Boston Celtics will play the second leg of a back-to-back on Monday night in Charlotte against LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets. 

Boston won a close game against Memphis on Sunday, even though it was favored heavily in that game. 

Now, the Celtics are hoping to keep their winning ways going against a Charlotte team that is just 1-6 at home this season and is coming off a blowout loss to the New York Knicks on Saturday. 

Can the Celtics over the spread and move to 12-2? 

A great place to bet on this matchup is WynnBET Sportsbook, the best place for Massachusetts bettors. The Celtics are favored in this game at WynnBET and all our odds in this story come from there.

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Boston Celtics injury report

Charlotte Hornets injury report

Boston Celtics

Jayson Tatum: The Celtics superstar is averaging 26.9 points per game, and he’s coming off an efficient showing against Memphis (7-for-13 from the field). Still, Tatum has just 37 points over his last two contests. This could be a game where he turns things around since Charlotte ranks dead last in the NBA in defensive rating. 

Sam Hauser: Sam Hauser has been red hot as of late, hitting two or more 3-point shots in eight straight games. The Celtics sharpshooter is up to 10.0 points per game while shooting 47.5 percent from 3. He’s become a major weapon off the bench. 

Charlotte Hornets

LaMelo Ball: While the Hornets are struggling, LaMelo Ball is really finding his groove this season. 

The Hornets will need another big performance from him if they want any chance to win this game. 

It’ll be important to check the injury report for Boston in this game before placing a bet, but I think the Celtics are in a good spot to cover the spread. 

Boston is 11-2 this season, and the team is 6-5-2 against the spread, winning games by an average margin of 11.7 points. 

Now, they get to take on a Charlotte team that ranks dead last in defense and has lost six straight games at home. The Hornets are also just 5-7 against the spread overall this season. 

Boston comes into this game with the No. 1 defensive rating and No. 4 offensive rating in the NBA.

As long as a combination of Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis suit up, I can’t see Boston squandering an easy game like this.

Pick: Celtics -9.5 (-110)

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Find Peter Dewey's NBA betting record here (futures included). You can also follow my daily plays on BetStamp here.