Celtics Defeat Hornets 114-99 in NBA Clash
Sunday, March 29, 2026, 6:00 PM ET · Spectrum Center
Boston Celtics 114, Charlotte Hornets 99, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Boston Celtics vs Charlotte Hornets?
Boston Celtics beat Charlotte Hornets 114-99 at Spectrum Center on March 29, 2026.
Who was favored in Boston Celtics vs Charlotte Hornets?
Charlotte Hornets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -135 (about 57% implied). The underdog won.
The Boston Celtics secured a decisive 114-99 victory over the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center, marking a significant moment in their ongoing series, which is now tied at 1-1. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as both teams entered with strong recent performances, but the Celtics showcased their dominance throughout the game.
In terms of recent form, the Hornets had a record of 39-36, while the Celtics boasted a stronger 50-24 record. The Hornets, playing at home, had a solid recent record of 7-3 over their last ten games, though they were coming off a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers just a day prior. Their scoring average during this stretch was 117.3 points per game, while they allowed an average of 106.5 points. However, their last five games reflected a more robust scoring average of 123.2 points, despite the recent setback.
On the other hand, the Celtics also held a 7-3 record in their last ten games, currently riding a two-game winning streak. They averaged 111.5 points scored and allowed 106.3 points during this span. Their last five games showed a slight dip in scoring, averaging 111.4 points, but they maintained a strong defensive presence.
When considering home versus away performance, the Hornets had a home record of 5-1 in their last six games, while the Celtics had a similar away record of 5-1. This context added to the anticipation of the game, as both teams were accustomed to winning in their respective environments.
Historically, the Celtics have had the upper hand in their recent meetings with the Hornets, holding a 4-1 record against them in the last five matchups. Their most recent encounter prior to this game was on March 5, 2026, when the Celtics defeated the Hornets 118-89. This trend continued as the Celtics once again emerged victorious, demonstrating their ability to capitalize on previous successes.
In terms of injuries, both teams faced challenges. The Hornets had Brandon Miller and PJ Hall listed as day-to-day due to shoulder and ankle issues, respectively. The Celtics were similarly affected, with Jayson Tatum also day-to-day due to a knee concern. The absence or limited availability of key players can often shift the dynamics of a game, and it was evident that both teams were keeping a close eye on their rosters leading up to the match.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Hornets favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 216.5. This indicated a competitive matchup was expected, although the Celtics' performance on the court ultimately defied those expectations.
The game conditions were typical for an indoor basketball arena, allowing both teams to focus on their gameplay without external weather factors. As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a display of skill, with notable scoring plays in the fourth quarter, including a driving layup by Payton Pritchard and a fadeaway jump shot by Tre Mann.
The final score of 114-99 in favor of the Celtics not only reflects their current form but also highlights the challenges the Hornets face as they look to rebound from this loss. With the series now tied, both teams will be looking to adjust their strategies in anticipation of their next meeting.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CHA -2.5 | 216.5 o -110 / u -110 | Boston Celtics +114 · Charlotte Hornets -135 |
Injury report
- Brandon MillerDay-To-DayShoulderCharlotte Hornets
- PJ HallDay-To-DayAnkleCharlotte Hornets
- Jayson TatumDay-To-DayKneeBoston Celtics
Leaders
- PointsLaMelo Ball19Charlotte Hornets
- AssistsBrandon Miller4Charlotte Hornets
- ReboundsBrandon Miller6Charlotte Hornets
- PointsJayson Tatum32Boston Celtics
- AssistsJayson Tatum8Boston Celtics
- ReboundsNeemias Queta8Boston Celtics
Recent form
Charlotte Hornets
Last 10: 7-3Streak L1117.3 scored · 106.5 allowed per game5-1 at home
- L114-118vs Philadelphia 76ersMar 28
- W114-103vs New York KnicksMar 26
- W134-90vs Sacramento KingsMar 24
- W124-101vs Memphis GrizzliesMar 21
- W130-111vs Orlando MagicMar 19
- W136-106vs Miami HeatMar 17
- L102-115at San Antonio SpursMar 14
- W117-109at Sacramento KingsMar 12
- W103-101at Portland Trail BlazersMar 11
- L99-111at Phoenix SunsMar 9
Boston Celtics
Last 10: 7-3Streak W2111.5 scored · 106.3 allowed per game2-2 away
- W109-102vs Atlanta HawksMar 27
- W119-109vs Oklahoma City ThunderMar 25
- L92-102vs Minnesota TimberwolvesMar 23
- W117-112at Memphis GrizzliesMar 21
- W120-99vs Golden State WarriorsMar 18
- W120-112vs Phoenix SunsMar 16
- W111-100vs Washington WizardsMar 14
- L102-104at Oklahoma City ThunderMar 13
- L116-125at San Antonio SpursMar 11
- W109-98at Cleveland CavaliersMar 8
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | - | 26 | W2 | .683 | 56 |
| New York | 3 | 29 | L1 | .646 | 53 |
| Toronto | 10 | 36 | W1 | .561 | 46 |
| Philadelphia | 11 | 37 | W2 | .549 | 45 |
| Brooklyn | 36 | 62 | L3 | .244 | 20 |
| Atlanta | - | 36 | L1 | .561 | 46 |
| Orlando | 1 | 37 | L1 | .549 | 45 |
| Charlotte | 2 | 38 | W1 | .537 | 44 |
| Miami | 3 | 39 | W2 | .524 | 43 |
| Washington | 29 | 65 | L10 | .207 | 17 |
Box score
| Stat | Boston Celtics | Charlotte Hornets |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 42-83 | 36-83 |
| Field goal % | 51 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 14-34 | 12-43 |
| Three-point % | 41 | 28 |
| Free throws | 16-22 | 15-19 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 79 |
| Rebounds | 39 | 37 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 31 | 27 |
| Assists | 23 | 19 |
| Steals | 6 | 2 |
| Blocks | 3 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 5 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 7 | 11 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 5 |
| Points in the paint | 52 | 40 |
| Fouls | 18 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 20 | 3 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 91 | 7 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter79-61Jayson Tatum makes 9-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter79-63Kon Knueppel makes driving layup (Ryan Kalkbrenner assists)
- 3rd Quarter81-63Neemias Queta makes layup (Payton Pritchard assists)
- 3rd Quarter83-63Baylor Scheierman makes 12-foot driving floating jump shot
- 3rd Quarter83-66Sion James makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot (Josh Green assists)
- 3rd Quarter85-66Luka Garza makes 4-foot layup (Payton Pritchard assists)
- 3rd Quarter85-68Liam McNeeley makes driving layup (Coby White assists)
- 3rd Quarter87-68Payton Pritchard makes 7-foot fade away jump shot (Ron Harper Jr. assists)
- 3rd Quarter87-70Coby White makes driving layup (Sion James assists)
- 3rd Quarter87-73Liam McNeeley makes 25-foot three point jumper (Sion James assists)
- 3rd Quarter88-73Baylor Scheierman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter89-73Baylor Scheierman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter89-74Coby White makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter89-75Coby White makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter89-77LaMelo Ball makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter92-77Hugo Gonzalez makes 22-foot three point jumper (Baylor Scheierman assists)
- 4th Quarter92-80LaMelo Ball makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot (Miles Bridges assists)
- 4th Quarter95-80Baylor Scheierman makes 27-foot three pointer (Jayson Tatum assists)
- 4th Quarter95-83Brandon Miller makes 22-foot three point jumper (LaMelo Ball assists)
- 4th Quarter95-86LaMelo Ball makes 26-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter97-86Neemias Queta makes 7-foot floating jump shot (Payton Pritchard assists)
- 4th Quarter99-86Neemias Queta makes 3-foot driving dunk (Jayson Tatum assists)
- 4th Quarter99-88LaMelo Ball makes driving layup (Sion James assists)
- 4th Quarter100-88Payton Pritchard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter101-88Payton Pritchard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter101-90Sion James makes 5-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter103-90Jayson Tatum makes 6-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter106-90Jayson Tatum makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 4th Quarter106-92LaMelo Ball makes 5-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter107-92Baylor Scheierman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter109-92Payton Pritchard makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter109-93Liam McNeeley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter111-93Payton Pritchard makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter111-95Tre Mann makes 15-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter113-95Neemias Queta makes layup (Payton Pritchard assists)
- 4th Quarter113-96Liam McNeeley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter113-97Liam McNeeley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter114-97Charles Bassey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter114-98Liam McNeeley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter114-99Liam McNeeley makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Charlotte Hornets, below favours Boston Celtics.
Venue
- Spectrum CenterCharlotte, NC
- Attendance19642
- OfficialsJohn Goble, Eric Dalen, Scott Twardoski
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