Celtics at Hornets NBA Cup game preview, Digi Mart USA News: The Boston Celtics have shown a number of positive responses so far this season, even when they have not had a full roster. They will try to keep that momentum going Friday night against the host Charlotte Hornets, who hope to see the benefits of a more complete roster.
The matchup is part of Group Play in the NBA Cup. The Celtics defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 109-102 on Wednesday night, building a 21-point halftime lead and holding on despite star Jayson Tatum missing a game for the first time this season.
Paul George scored 25 points and Derrick White added 24, including 11 in the fourth quarter.
“Obviously it changes a little bit because JT does a lot for us,” White said. “But at the end of the day, we believe in our depth, we believe in every person in the locker room, and we just got to go out there and get a win.”
Tatum’s absence was listed as needed rest, which suggests he would be available for the game in Charlotte. Devin Carter missed the Milwaukee game because of illness, while reserve guard Payton Pritchard logged 18 minutes and scored 10 points after being listed as questionable earlier in the day with a shoulder ailment.
George had his biggest point total since the season opener. “We need the best version of him for us to be a great team, and I think you were able to see that (Wednesday),” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said.
George said it is important for the Celtics to show they can excel with or without Tatum. “We want JT to get his rest in those situations, so we got to come together and collectively be big in those moments,” George said.
The Hornets continued their slide when the host Brooklyn Nets avenged an earlier setback by winning 114-104 on Wednesday night, extending Charlotte’s losing streak to five games. “We beat ourselves, that never feels good,” Hornets guard Sion James said.
“We showed flashes of the way we’re supposed to play, so for us it’s about being more consistent.”
Naz Reid scored a season-high 28 points on 11-for-18 shooting, a boost for Charlotte, but Brandon Miller shot 2-for-15 (1-for-10 on 3-pointers) on his way to 10 points. Miller has had wide swings in offensive production across the season’s opening weeks.
“That’s part of the game,” Charlotte coach Charles Lee said, adding that he was encouraged that Miller remained locked in defensively. “That’s part of who Brandon is as well.
So not surprised that he wasn’t going to let his offensive struggles dictate how he was going to respond and react.”
The Hornets made 12 three-pointers in Brooklyn, with five of those by Grayson Allen. Team-wide shooting woes continue to be evident despite what was described as good offensive sequences.
“We created some really good looks for each other,” Lee said.
The Hornets had guard Kon Knueppel on the court for the first time this season, but he exited after six minutes because of a left leg ailment. His three points came on free throws, and his availability for Friday night is in question.
Boston is 1-2 in road games, and the game in Charlotte begins a four-game road swing. The Celtics are 20-4 against the Hornets in the last 24 regular-season meetings.
