Boston Celtics (31-12, first in the Eastern Conference) vs. Charlotte Hornets (11-32, 15th in the Eastern Conference)
Charlotte, North Carolina; Saturday, 7 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Boston seeks to build upon its five-game win streak with a victory over Charlotte.
The Hornets are 5-21 against conference opponents. Charlotte gives up 118.6 points to opponents and has been outscored by 6.4 points per game.
The Celtics are 17-8 in Eastern Conference play. Boston is eighth in the Eastern Conference allowing just 112.3 points while holding opponents to 47.0% shooting.
The teams meet for the second time this season. The Celtics won 140-105 in the last matchup on Nov. 29.
TOP PERFORMERS: Terry Rozier is averaging 21 points and 5.3 assists for the Hornets. LaMelo Ball is averaging 3.5 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games for Charlotte.
Jayson Tatum is averaging 30.6 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Celtics. Jaylen Brown is averaging 26.4 points and 6.9 rebounds over the last 10 games for Boston.
LAST 10 GAMES: Hornets: 2-8, averaging 115.0 points, 45.4 rebounds, 27.4 assists, 7.9 steals and 5.4 blocks per game while shooting 46.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.3 points per game.
Celtics: 8-2, averaging 119.5 points, 45.5 rebounds, 27.3 assists, 5.7 steals and 5.9 blocks per game while shooting 48.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.5 points.
INJURIES: Hornets: Kelly Oubre Jr.: out (hand), Gordon Hayward: day to day (hamstring).
Celtics: Al Horford: out (rest), Danilo Gallinari: out for season (knee), Jaylen Brown: day to day (adductor).
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The Associated Press
