Boston Celtics welcome back Terry Rozier, host the Charlotte Hornets
After competing with a tough Utah team, the Charlotte Hornets head to Boston, where Terry Rozier spent the first four seasons of his NBA career.
On the second night of a back-to-back, the Charlotte Hornets (13-19) find themselves in TD Garden, taking on the Boston Celtics (19-7). This will be Terry Rozier‘s first regular season game in Boston as an opponent, so it should be a fun one.
Coming off a tough loss to the Utah Jazz, things won’t get any easier for the Hornets. Boston is a dangerous ball club featuring a familiar face in Kemba Walker. They’ve been playing at a high level all season long, so the Hornets will have another fight on their hands, and on some tired legs.
This will be another good test for these young Hornets. They competed and played really hard against the Jazz, but in the end, the veteran team came through and got the stops they needed to pick up the victory. Let’s hope they can bring that same effort on the road against the Celtics.
As mentioned, Charlotte’s last contest was a 114-107 loss to Utah. Boston’s last contest was a 114-93 win over Detroit. This is the second of three match-ups with Boston this season. Remember, Kemba Walker made his return to Charlotte earlier this season, and man, it was emotional.
This time, it will be Terry Rozier’s moment, but the fan reaction won’t be anywhere near the level of Kemba’s return.
Charlotte Hornets at Boston Celtics
6:00 p.m. EST, Sunday, December 22nd, 2019
TD Garden
Fox Sports Southeast
Stream: Fubo.tv
Injury Report:
CHA:
PJ Washington – Finger (Out)
BOS:
Gordon Hayward – Foot (Questionable)
Vincent Poirier – Finger (Out)
Marcus Smart – Eye (Out)
Robert Williams – Hip (Out)
Things to watch for:
Boston is banged up right now, missing some important players in Smart and Williams. Hayward may be out, which would help the Hornets as well. Despite the injuries, the Celtics continue to play very well, but it will be interesting to see if the Hornets can stop other role players like Grant Williams and Brad Wanamaker.
Keys to the game:
The Celtics are a very good defensive team, ranking in the top 10 in defensive rating, steals, blocks, opponent points off turnovers, opponent fast break points and opponent points in the paint, but do struggle when it comes to rebounding.
The Hornets aren’t exactly the greatest rebounding team in the world, but they should be sure to put a body on the glass both offensively and defensively.
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I would also like to see Charlotte come out with some energy and try to get off to a fast start. The back end of the game will be tough being on a back-to-back, so come out swinging and stay composed.