Struggling Hornets Host Defending Champion Celtics

The Boston Celtics (42-11 SU, 29-24 ATS, 25-27-1 O/U) have dropped two of its last three games in the BetOnline Sportsbook while going just 1-4 against the spread in its last five games overall.

The New Orleans Hornets (30-19 SU, 21-26-2 ATS, 22-26-1 O/U) have dropped five of its last seven while going an identical 2-5 ATS for BetOnline NBA sports betting backers.

Tonight, both teams will be looking to get back in the win column when they meet at New Orleans Arena.

The Celtics lost to the San Antonio Spurs 105-99 as a 6.5-point home favorite on Sunday while the combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (186). All-star power forward Kevin Garnett led the Celtics with 26 points and 12 rebounds while fellow all-star forward Paul Pierce added 19 points in a losing effort as the C’s were outscored 31-23 in the final period.

New Orleans is coming off a dismal 85-80 loss to Memphis on Monday night, failing to cover the spread as 3.5-point road underdogs as the teams played under the 186-point total set by oddsmakers.

Sweet-shooting forward Peja Stojakovic went for 23 points and seven rebounds for New Orleans in a losing effort as the Grizzlies dominated the third period.

Here is a look at the key trends for each team, followed by my in-depth analysis and NBA Free Picks.

The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boston’s last 5 games

Boston is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games on the road

Boston is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games

Boston is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road

The total has gone OVER in 5 of New Orleans’s last 6 games

The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans’s last 5 games at home

New Orleans is 15-5 SU in its last 20 games at home

New Orleans is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games when playing at home against Boston

NBA Odds

Boston Celtics -8 -110

New Orleans Hornets +8 -110

Over 185½ -110

Under 185½ -110

Analysis: While the Boston Celtics have struggled down the stretch in losing to the Lakers and Spurs recently, I fully believe they will win tonight’s game handily over a Hornets teams that is struggling to score the ball without electrifying point guard Chris Paul out of the lineup.

This line may look a bit high with the Celtics on the road NBA sports bettors, but it’s not as Boston seems to bounce back from losses with a vengeance and the Hornets are clearly a different team without Chris Paul.

Take the Celtics to cover with just a bit of room to spare.

NBA Free Picks: Boston -8 Points/Over 185½ Total Points