The Celtics are the much better team and have a huge coaching edge with Brad Stevens against Hornets interim coach Stephen Silas.

Charlotte is 4-8 in its last 12 games. The Hornets really miss big man Cody Zeller, who is out following knee surgery. Charlotte is 2-6 SU and ATS in its last eight home contests.

The Celtics are coming off a home loss to the Wizards on Christmas Day and host the Rockets Thursday. So they are in real danger of being saddled with a three-game losing streak if they lose this matchup.

Boston has dominated this series under Stevens winning nine of the past 10 times, including the last five.