Celtics vs Hornets Prediction 14 October 2026

Boston recently faced off against Philadelphia and cruised to a 144-106 victory. The team delivered an exceptional performance from beyond the arc, hitting nearly 47% of their three-point attempts. They maintained a high tempo throughout. However, it’s unlikely that we’ll see this level of efficiency in every preseason outing. The Celtics’ roster is solid, with clearly defined roles for each player, but overall fitness is still far from peak condition. Boston are looking to dictate play through their offense, yet the rotations typical for preseason games always introduce an element of unpredictability - often with negative consequences.

Heading into this matchup with Charlotte, it’s unlikely Boston will be able to push the pace as much. The Hornets are adjusting their tactical approach, which could limit the Celtics’ opportunities on offense. Additionally, there’s always a chance that one of Boston’s key players sits out - a decision that often isn’t announced until just before tip-off. There are plenty of factors here that could lead to a dip in scoring compared to previous games.

Charlotte have undergone a major overhaul this summer. The club are increasingly looking like solid mid-table contenders in the Eastern Conference, boasting significant potential for further growth. However, their preseason form has left something to be desired - they suffered a heavy 90-124 defeat to Brooklyn, for instance. Still, one trend seems set to define the Hornets moving forward: a moderate or even slow tempo. This approach paid off in a convincing 105-90 win over Milwaukee. They could also have a decent shot against Boston.

The Hornets are capable of systematically creating quality offensive opportunities, though not in the high volume seen in wild shootouts. Notably, they have two nearly interchangeable starting fives, which allows them to maintain consistency throughout all 48 minutes - even in a friendly. On the defensive end, Charlotte are set to put in the work.