The Boston Celtics will host Charlotte on Friday, and Boston has won six of it's last nine. The Hornets come in as losers of five of their last six, including a loss to the lowly Philadelphia 76ers. With Boston being the better team of late, I like the Celtics as a small favorite here at the Garden.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. New Blood In Beantown - The Celtics have to be pleased with the production they've gotten from recently acquire players such as Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder and Jonas Jerebko. The trio combined for 57 points in the win over the Knicks on Wednesday.

2. Previous History - Boston has covered the spread in four straight home games, and seven of their last nine overall. The Hornets are just 1-4 ATS in their last five when playing on just one day's rest.

3. X-Factor - The Hornets won their last visit to Boston by a score of 104-95. Kemba Walker scored 33 points in that game though, and he's still sidelined with a knee injury and won't be a factor in tonight's game.

Selection: This is a play on the Boston Celtics (8*)