Tatum Out as Celtics Face Streaking Hornets

The Boston Celtics are set to host the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, marking the first of three regular-season encounters between the two Eastern Conference rivals. The Celtics, currently second in the East, enter the game with an eight-game lead over the Hornets, who sit in ninth place.

Boston has been in strong form, boasting an 8-2 record in their last ten games and a three-game winning streak. However, a significant blow comes with the news that Jayson Tatum is out due to an Achilles injury, though Jaylen Brown and Neemias Queta are off the injury report.

The Hornets arrive in Boston on the second night of a back-to-back, having won their last five consecutive games and eight of their last twelve games played on the second night of back-to-back sets. They have made notable roster upgrades throughout the season, including the acquisition of Kon Knueppel, a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year.

Key matchups to watch include Baylor Scheierman against Brandon Miller and Derrick White against LaMelo Ball. Both teams possess high offensive ratings, emphasizing the importance of defense and rebounding. The Celtics, with a defensive rating of 111.6, must prioritize limiting the Hornets' potent offense, which ranks fourth in the league with an offensive rating of 117.5.