Charlotte Hornets approaching daunting four game stretch

11/19 vs Boston Celtics

We have yet to see the Boston Celtics during the regular season, but we did see them twice during the preseason. The Celtics are considered by many to be the best team in the Eastern Conference. It’s going to be a challenge going up against one of the best defensive teams in basketball.

The Celtics own the top defensive rating in the league (102.7), while the Hornets have the 15th best defensive rating (107.3).

However, Boston hasn’t been playing to the level they are capable of as of late. They needed an incredible comeback to win in Phoenix, they lost in Utah and then they lost in Portland last night.

Boston will play against the Bulls, Raptors and the Jazz once again before they play the Hornets, so it’ll be a chance to get back into rhythm as a team. It’s going to be a tough challenge for this Hornets team.

One key that comes to mind when you are playing the Celtics is trying to control the pace of the game. Boston would rather slow things down and have you play a half-court game against their set defense.

The Hornets are going to have to push the pace from the tip and try to get points in transition. Charlotte currently ranks 17th in pace, and they’d probably like to be higher in that department. Boston ranks 22nd in pace.