How we see it goin' down: Celtics - Hornets

Tip: 8PM Court: TD Garden Watch it: CSNNE Hear it: WEEI

Referees: Ken Mauer, Derrick Collins and Kevin Cutler

Spread: Boston -7.5

The Matchup


Record: 20-17	Record: 12-26
At Home: 13-6	On road: 6-13
Streak: Won 6	Streak: Won 1

Leaders	Leaders
Buckets: Pierce (19.6 ppg)	Buckets: Eric Gordon (16.9 ppg)
Boards: Garnett (7.1 rpg)	Boards: Anthony Davis (7.7 rpg)
Dimes: Rondo (11.1 apg)	Dimes: Greivis Vasquez (9.1 apg)

For the Stat Geeks:	For the Stat Geeks:
Offensive Rating: 103.1 (23rd NBA)	Offensive Rating: 103.8 (17th NBA)
Defensive Rating: 103.5 (8th NBA)	Defensive Rating: 108.8 (27th NBA)
Pace: 91.1 (20th NBA)	Pace: 88.0 (29th NBA)

Last time

The Hornets took a steamy dump on the Celtics in their lone match-up last season, winning 97-78. Go ahead, read the recap because it’s rather funny. I wasn’t too high on the Celtics back then. New Orleans has won three of four against the C’s.

This time

Get it to: Kevin Garnett

Number 1 draft pick Anthony Davis comes with a lot of athleticism and defensive prowess, but you can bet the Celtics are going to make him think. Oh, and KG will be giving him an earful. Despite the ability, Davis, like most of his teammates, has struggled on defense this season. Baskets should be easy to come by tonight.

Gotta stop: Greivis Vasquez

Who? Vasquez is a 26-year-old Venezuelan who is averaging 14 points and 9 assists (3rd in the league) this season. He’s upped his game recently; averaging 18.5 points on 51.2 percent shooting and 10.3 assists in his last 11. He’s not a burner or a killer three point shooter, but his mid-range game is lethal and he can pass.

The Wild Card: Eric Gordon or Austin Rivers

The Hornets star guard is averaging nearly 17 ppg since his return from a knee injury. He can shoot and get to the rim. As of noon, the Hornets had yet to decide if he will play tonight – his first back-to-back since returning. If Gordon sits, expect those minutes to go to Austin Rivers. Doc’s kid has struggled mightily all season. He’s averaging 6 points on 33% shooting. Let’s just say there’s a big drop-off from Gordon to Rivers.