Celtics vs Hornets: Playoff Preview

0:00It's April 7th. I'm Corey with the story, and this is Charlotte Hornets News today, AI-powered updates on your squad. Tonight the Boston Celtics host the Charlotte Hornets in a matchup that screams first-round playoff preview. Celtics sit at 53 wins, 25 losses, locked in second in the east, while the Hornets are 43 and 36, battling in that. Tight 6-10 seed race separated by just two games. Every possession counts with only a few left. Celtics especially need this to avoid the playing grind requiring two wins. These teens split their first two meetings. Hornets stealing one big in Boston back in March, but Celtics owned the all-time edge and crushed Charlotte. Last season, Celtics rolling with three straight wins, 8 and 2 in their last 10, dominant at home. Hornets on fire too, four in a row, 8 and 2 lately, tough on the road. Both squads near full strength. Celtics getting Nikola Vusavic, back from injury. Celtics just missing one two-way guy, Kobe White probable.

1:01Watch Derek White locking Lamello Ball, Jalen Brown on Brandon Miller. Those perimeter threats lighted up from deep. Rebounding in threes will decide it. Both top squads there. Keys stay simple. Celtics must clamp defense. Crash force to kill second chances, move the ball without turnovers, and match Charlotte's three point. Barrage. Hornets offense humming, but Boston's got the edge if they stay focused. With seating on the line and home crowd roaring, expect fireworks. Celtics chasing that two-seed lock, Hornets fighting for direct playoff spot. One time 8 p.m. Eastern.