Time, TV, ratings and notes - Donnecommebernard

The expectations of Boston and Charlotte couldn't be more different: The Celtics are aiming to defend their title and the Hornets are coming off a season in which they finished with the third-worst record in the Eastern Conference. But they share some notable connections.

First-year Hornets coach Charles Lee was an assistant during the Celtics' 2023-24 title run, and he and former Celtic Grant Williams will face their old team in back-to-back games at Spectrum Center on Friday and Saturday.

The Hornets are fresh off a 138-133 win over Toronto, with Tre Mann, Cody Martin and Williams combining for 69 points off the bench.

As the Hornets' bench tries to keep scoring alongside LaMelo Ball's sparkling offense, the Celtics are looking to get back on track after the Pacers handed them their first loss of the season, 135-132, in overtime on Wednesday night.

Hornets guard Brandon Miller is questionable after missing more than a week with a glute injury.

Sam Hauser is available for the Celtics. Al Horford (stress management) is out and Kristaps Porzingis is out while he recovers from left posterior tibialis tendon surgery.

Here is your preview.

When: Friday, 7 p.m

Where: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC

TV, radio: NBCSB, WBZ-FM 98.5

Line: Boston-12. O/U: 233.0.

Celts

Season balance: 4-1. vs. distribution: 3-2. Over/Under: 3-2

Last 10 games: 8-2. vs. distribution: 6-3, 1 push. Over/Under: 3-7

HORNETS

Season balance: 2-2. vs. distribution: 2-2. Over/Under: 2-2

Last 10 games: 5-5. vs. distribution: 6-4. Over/Under: 8-2

Statistics of the day: Through five games, 2023-24 All-Defensive Second Team member Jrue Holiday has recorded just one steal, coming in the opener against New York.

Notes: Tre Mann's 27 points on Wednesday night against the Raptors marked the first time this season that LaMelo Ball wasn't Charlotte's leading scorer. … The Hornets made 20 shots from 3-point range in the game, and Lee praised his forwards and centers for keeping his shooters open on the perimeter. “NO. 1 is our screening,” Lee said. “Our bigs do a phenomenal job of helping our guards gain an advantage.” … Despite his team's road loss to Indiana, Joe Mazzulla was pleased that Boston refused , rolling over and coming back from a deficit of as many as 24 points in overtime…Either Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown was Boston's leading scorer in each of the Celtics' first five games this season. Tatum has scored 37 points three times.

Aiden Sprole can be reached at [email protected].

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