Celtics Host Hornets In Final Regular Season Showdown

The Boston Celtics will host the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time at TD Garden in Boston for the last game of the 2024-2025 NBA regular season. This matchup is significant for the Celtics as they prepare for the playoffs, having already secured the second seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 60 wins and 21 losses. Meanwhile, the Hornets, who have struggled throughout the season with a record of 19 wins and 62 losses, are looking to end their campaign on a positive note.

In their last encounter just two days prior, the Celtics dominated the Hornets, winning decisively with a score of 130 to 94. Payton Pritchard shone in that game, scoring 22 points, while Sam Hauser contributed 20 points, and Jayson Tatum added 16 points along with 8 rebounds and 8 assists. The Celtics' head coach, Joe Mazzulla, opted to rest his star players in the final quarter, focusing on their fitness for the upcoming playoff battles.

The Celtics have been on a roll, winning eight of their last ten games and averaging 115.8 points per game, showcasing their offensive prowess. Jayson Tatum has been a standout performer throughout the season, averaging 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. The Celtics have outscored their opponents by an average of 9.2 points per game, demonstrating their ability to control the pace and flow of the game.

On the other hand, the Hornets have faced a challenging season, placing 14th in the Eastern Conference and enduring a six-game losing streak. Their recent performance has been dismal, winning only one of their last ten games, and they are looking to finish the season with dignity. Miles Bridges has been a key player for Charlotte, averaging 20.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, but the team has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play.

As the final game of the regular season approaches, both teams have their motivations. For the Celtics, it’s about maintaining momentum and fine-tuning their game plan for the playoffs. They are expected to treat this game seriously, aiming to enter the postseason with confidence and rhythm. Coach Mazzulla will likely play his starters significant minutes to keep them sharp, even though the seeding is already secured.

For the Hornets, this game represents a chance to showcase their younger talent and end the season on a high note. Players like Seth Curry, who scored 17 points in the last game against the Celtics, will look to make an impact. The Hornets are also dealing with multiple injuries, including LaMelo Ball and Grant Williams, which has hampered their ability to compete effectively.

Charlotte’s defensive struggles have been evident, allowing opponents to shoot 45.1% from the field, which is higher than the Celtics’ average points allowed per game. The Hornets rank eighth in the Eastern Conference in defensive rebounds, led by Mark Williams, who averages 7.2 boards per game. However, their overall performance has been lackluster, and they need to find a way to tighten their defense against a high-scoring team like Boston.

The historical context of this matchup favors the Celtics, who have won all three previous encounters this season. Their ability to score efficiently and defend effectively has been a hallmark of their success, and they will look to extend their winning streak against Charlotte.

As the game approaches, fans can catch all the action on NBC Sports Boston or stream it via platforms like Fubo and NBA League Pass. The game will also be available on the radio, with coverage on 98.5 FM The Sports Hub, the flagship station for the Celtics.

Injuries continue to plague both teams, with the Celtics dealing with Jaylen Brown being day-to-day due to a knee issue. Meanwhile, the Hornets will miss several key players for the remainder of the season, including LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, which complicates their efforts to compete effectively.

As the Celtics and Hornets prepare to face off for the final time this season, the stakes are clear. Boston seeks to solidify its standing as a formidable contender in the playoffs, while Charlotte aims to finish the season on a positive note despite the challenges they have faced. This game promises to be an exciting conclusion to the regular season, with both teams bringing intensity to the court.

With the playoffs looming, the Celtics are poised to make a deep run, and this matchup against the Hornets will serve as a critical tune-up. Fans can expect to see a high-energy game as both teams look to end the regular season on a high note, albeit for very different reasons.

As the clock ticks down to tip-off, all eyes will be on TD Garden, where the Boston Celtics will look to continue their dominance over the Charlotte Hornets in what promises to be an engaging final game of the regular season.