NBA · Final

Hornets Defeat Celtics in Upset Victory

Charlotte Hornets32-31

118

Boston Celtics41-21

Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · TD Garden

Charlotte Hornets 118, Boston Celtics 89, final. Today's NBA pick is already sealed, as a hash, before kickoff.

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Quick answers

Who won Charlotte Hornets vs Boston Celtics?

Charlotte Hornets beat Boston Celtics 118-89 at TD Garden on March 4, 2026.

Who was favored in Charlotte Hornets vs Boston Celtics?

Boston Celtics were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -250 (about 71% implied). The underdog won.

In a surprising turn of events, the Charlotte Hornets defeated the Boston Celtics 118-89 at TD Garden on March 5, 2026. This victory marks the Hornets' first win against the Celtics in the current season, as they now lead the series 1-0. The Hornets showcased a strong performance, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they maintained their lead and extended it with consistent scoring.

The Celtics entered the game with a home record of 41-21, having won eight of their last ten games, including a three-game winning streak. Their recent form had seen them averaging 109.4 points scored while allowing just 98.5 points. In contrast, the Hornets, with a record of 32-31, had also been in good form, winning seven of their last ten games and riding a five-game winning streak. They averaged 117.3 points scored and allowed 106.2 points during that stretch.

At home, the Celtics had a solid record of 4-1 in their last five games, while the Hornets were perfect in their last five away games, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure on the road. Historically, the Celtics had dominated their recent matchups against the Hornets, winning the last four encounters, including two earlier in the 2025 season.

In terms of injuries, both teams had key players listed as day-to-day. The Celtics were without Jayson Tatum due to a knee issue, while the Hornets had Brandon Miller and PJ Hall both dealing with shoulder and ankle injuries, respectively. The absence of Tatum was particularly significant for the Celtics, as he is a pivotal player in their lineup.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Celtics favored by 6.5 points with a total set at 214.5. The Celtics' moneyline was listed at -250.0, while the Hornets were at 205.0, indicating a belief that the Celtics would win, despite the Hornets' recent form.

The game conditions were typical for a late-season NBA matchup, with both teams looking to solidify their playoff positioning. Fans were treated to a competitive atmosphere, but the Hornets' execution overwhelmed the Celtics, particularly in the second half.

As the game progressed, the Hornets' scoring plays highlighted their offensive efficiency. Key contributions came from players like Sion James and Luka Garza, who made critical shots in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. The Celtics struggled to keep pace, particularly in defending against the Hornets' perimeter shooting, which proved to be a decisive factor in the game.

Overall, the Hornets' victory not only boosts their confidence but also raises questions about the Celtics' depth and ability to perform without their star player. With the playoffs approaching, both teams will need to address their respective challenges as they look to secure favorable positions.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	BOS -6.5	214.5 o -115 / u -105	Charlotte Hornets +205 · Boston Celtics -250

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

Jayson TatumDay-To-DayKneeBoston Celtics
Brandon MillerDay-To-DayShoulderCharlotte Hornets
PJ HallDay-To-DayAnkleCharlotte Hornets

Leaders

PointsDerrick White29Boston Celtics
AssistsJaylen Brown7Boston Celtics
ReboundsJaylen Brown11Boston Celtics
PointsKon Knueppel20Charlotte Hornets
AssistsCoby White6Charlotte Hornets
ReboundsMoussa Diabate9Charlotte Hornets

Recent form

Boston Celtics

Last 10: 8-2Streak W3109.4 scored · 98.5 allowed per game4-1 at home

W108-81at Milwaukee BucksMar 3
W114-98vs Philadelphia 76ersMar 2
W148-111vs Brooklyn NetsFeb 28
L84-103at Denver NuggetsFeb 26
W97-81at Phoenix SunsFeb 25
W111-89at Los Angeles LakersFeb 22
W121-110at Golden State WarriorsFeb 20
W124-105vs Chicago BullsFeb 12
L89-111vs New York KnicksFeb 8
W98-96vs Miami HeatFeb 7

Charlotte Hornets

Last 10: 7-3Streak W5117.3 scored · 106.2 allowed per game4-0 away

W117-90vs Dallas MavericksMar 4
W109-93vs Portland Trail BlazersFeb 28
W133-109at Indiana PacersFeb 27
W131-99at Chicago BullsFeb 25
W129-112at Washington WizardsFeb 22
L113-118vs Cleveland CavaliersFeb 21
L101-105vs Houston RocketsFeb 20
W110-107vs Atlanta HawksFeb 12
L104-110vs Detroit PistonsFeb 10
W126-119at Atlanta HawksFeb 8

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
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
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

Box score

Stat	Charlotte Hornets	Boston Celtics
Field goals	41-89	30-79
Field goal %	46	38
Three-pointers	19-49	10-36
Three-point %	39	28
Free throws	17-21	19-20
Free throw %	81	95
Rebounds	43	45
Offensive rebounds	11	9
Defensive rebounds	32	36
Assists	26	18
Steals	10	1
Blocks	4	3
Turnovers	4	15
Team turnovers	1	1
Technical fouls	0	1
Technical fouls, total	0	1
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	5	21
Fast-break points	22	9
Points in the paint	32	38
Fouls	19	14
Largest lead	29	0
Lead changes	0	0
Time in front	99	0

How the scoring went

3rd Quarter82-61Jaylen Brown makes free throw 1 of 3
3rd Quarter82-62Jaylen Brown makes free throw 2 of 3
3rd Quarter82-63Jaylen Brown makes free throw 3 of 3
3rd Quarter82-66Nikola Vucevic makes 25-foot running jump shot (Jaylen Brown assists)
3rd Quarter85-66Kon Knueppel makes 25-foot running pullup jump shot (Josh Green assists)
3rd Quarter85-67Nikola Vucevic makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter85-68Nikola Vucevic makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter87-68Ryan Kalkbrenner makes dunk (Coby White assists)
3rd Quarter88-68Coby White makes technical free throw
3rd Quarter90-68Coby White makes driving layup
3rd Quarter91-68Coby White makes free throw 1 of 1
4th Quarter93-68Ryan Kalkbrenner makes dunk (LaMelo Ball assists)
4th Quarter93-71Luka Garza makes 26-foot three point jumper (Derrick White assists)
4th Quarter95-71Brandon Miller makes running dunk
4th Quarter95-73Hugo Gonzalez makes 12-foot floating jump shot
4th Quarter96-73Moussa Diabate makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter96-74Derrick White makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter96-75Derrick White makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter96-76Luka Garza makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter96-77Luka Garza makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter97-77Josh Green makes free throw 1 of 3
4th Quarter98-77Josh Green makes free throw 2 of 3
4th Quarter99-77Josh Green makes free throw 3 of 3
4th Quarter101-77Moussa Diabate makes 1-foot running dunk
4th Quarter104-77LaMelo Ball makes 27-foot three point step back jumpshot (Miles Bridges assists)
4th Quarter104-79Jaylen Brown makes driving layup
4th Quarter107-79LaMelo Ball makes 29-foot three point step back jumpshot
4th Quarter107-81Jaylen Brown makes layup
4th Quarter107-83Jordan Walsh makes driving layup (Baylor Scheierman assists)
4th Quarter108-83Moussa Diabate makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter109-83Moussa Diabate makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter109-84Baylor Scheierman makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter109-85Baylor Scheierman makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter110-85Sion James makes free throw 1 of 3
4th Quarter111-85Sion James makes free throw 2 of 3
4th Quarter112-85Sion James makes free throw 3 of 3
4th Quarter112-87Luka Garza makes driving layup (Hugo Gonzalez assists)
4th Quarter112-89Luka Garza makes running layup (Baylor Scheierman assists)
4th Quarter115-89Antonio Reeves makes 25-foot three pointer (Pat Connaughton assists)
4th Quarter118-89Pat Connaughton makes 26-foot three point jumper (Sion James assists)