NBA (4/7) | Charlotte Hornets vs. Boston Celtics: Master & Apprentice
Written by: Varun Sharma
Last Update: Tue Apr 14, 2026, 11:42 am ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
nba
The Boston Celtics will host the Charlotte Hornets for their third and final meeting of the regular season. With so much yet to shake out in terms of seeding, tonight's matchup might not be the final time they matchup this year.
Let's jump straight into this one.
For additional information on picks, props, money lines and more on today's NBA slate, take a look at our NBA Picks Page or our NBA Odds Page.
Game Information
Matchup Information
- Location: TD Garden; Boston, Massachusetts
- Date: Tuesday, April 7th, 2026
- Tipoff: 8:10 PM EST
Key Players
- Brandon Miller (CHA): 30.3 MPG | 20.2 PPG | 5.0 RPG | 3.4 APG
- Jaylen Brown (BOS): 34.4 MPG | 28.7 PPG | 7.0 RPG | 5.2 APG
Betting Odds
Odds via Lucky Rebel, an industry leader in the sports betting world.
Analysis & Breakdown
Buzz City or Buzz Saw?
The Hornets have been incredible this year. As it sits right now, the Hornets are sitting in 8th place, just a half game back of the Toronto Raptors in 6th and two games back of the Atlanta Hawks in 5th.
The Hornets are guaranteed a spot in this year's play-in tournament, but could also easily sneak out of it and into the 6th seed. The problem is the Hornets have the toughest remaining schedule in the NBA, finishing their year with games against the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks following tonight's matchup.
The Hornets have gone 35-14 this year with their entire starting five healthy. The lineup of Brandon Miller, LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, Moussa Diabaté and Miles Bridges has been the best in the NBA with a net rating of +16.1 and offensive rating of 130.0.
Defensively, the Hornets have been just as good. The team ranks 7th in opponent effective field goal percentage, 6th in points allowed and 1st in rebounds allowed.
Jay²
Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have played 12 games together this year, they've gone 10-2 and have no plans on slowing down. Both of the Jays have been putting up insane stat lines and tonight against Charlotte I'm expecting that very same energy.
With both Jaylen and Jayson on the floor this year, the Celtics defensive rating drops to 107.0. Albeit a small sample size, but the Celtics defense has been stellar since Tatum's return and he's the biggest reason why.
The Celtics' are allowing just 107.0 points per game in their last 15 games, majority of which were played with Tatum in the lineup. The team's just playing at a higher level as the regular season comes to a close and a win tonight would win them the Atlantic Division and lock them into the No.2 seed in the East.
Tuesday Night's Best Bets
Jaylen Brown o37.5 PRA (-107) | Lucky Rebel
This line feels insane and that's why it's probably a trap. I could care less, Jaylen Brown has been too good this year for me to pass this up. Brown's averaging 28.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game; all career highs. He's seen the highest usage of his career this year but he's also been incredibly efficient with that usage.
Brown's shooting 47.6% from the field and 80% from the free throw line for the first time in his career. He leads the NBA in made field goals this year and he's taken huge strides as a playmaker.
He's cleared this line in 15 of his last 20 games, including 8 of the 12 games he's played alongside Tatum.
Brown averages 18.9 shot attempts per game with Tatum back, he leads the team in usage and has gotten to the line for 8.8 free throw attempts per game. The Hornets have been great defensively but this line just feels like an over-correction.
Grant Williams 2+ 3s (+155) | Lucky Rebel
Boston gives up a ton of wide open 3s and Grant Williams has been great recently. This will be the first time he's playing his former team since 2024 and he's cleared this line in four of his last five.
Looking for More
More NBA News
NBA Betting News
2026 NBA Finals | Spurs vs. Knicks: Game 4
NBA Betting News
2026 NBA Finals MVP Odds: Race Tightens After Spurs' Game 3 Win
NBA Betting News
2026 NBA Finals | Spurs vs. Knicks: Game 3
NBA Betting News
2026 NBA Mock Draft: Predicting the Top Five Picks
Get FREE Picks and Props Weekly
Sign up for
THE WEEKENDER NEWSLETTER
Follow me on 'X' @VSaaauce for all my picks and sports takes you didn't ask for! Follow Betting News on 'X' and Twitch and catch us on stream! Betting News is also on TikTok! Follow us for more picks, and news!
Looking for a great promo for a new sportsbook? Check out our reviews of the best sportsbooks.
You may know me as ‘VSaaauce’. I’ve been a die hard hoops fan my entire life. I’ve been betting on the NBA/NCAAB/NFL/MLB for six years now, each year gaining more and more knowledge about being a profitable handicapper. I’m eager to learn, and eager to pass on everything I’ve gained over the last few years. I started my Twitter page four years ago, and this community makes me so thankful I did. Outside of sports and handicapping, I enjoy traveling, hoopin, a strong espresso and I’m currently studying to obtain my MD. I’m all about the vibes, good vibes only. If that sounds like you, follow me on 'X' @VSaaauce.
This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Betting News makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.