Fearless predictions: Celtics’ defense big trouble for Hornets Friday

Five fearless predictions for Friday’s Charlotte Hornets game against Boston Celtics:

1. Trying to outscore the Celtics will fail miserably

The Hornets have strayed from great defense lately. The Celtics are first in the NBA in defensive efficiency, allowing 94.8 points per 100 possessions.

2. Dwight Howard caught a break

Celtics big man Al Horford is in concussion protocol. He has the 3-point range to pull Howard out of the lane, where he does his best work as a rim protector/rebounder.

3. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist must bring it

Hornets forward missed the first three games of this road trip, with an another excused personal absence. They might need him to guard Kyrie Irving.

4. Irving less a scorer, more a playmaker

Irving, traded to the Celtics in a blockbuster deal, has distributed the ball more than he did in Cleveland playing with LeBron James.

5. Celtics 105, Hornets 97

Celtics have won 10 in a row. Even with injuries, they are formidable at home.

This story was originally published November 9, 2017 at 11:24 AM with the headline "Fearless predictions: Celtics’ defense big trouble for Hornets Friday."