Boston Celtics (-4.5) at New Orleans Hornets Betting Lines

Boston Celtics (-4.5) at New Orleans Hornets - 8:00 p.m. ET on NBA TV

The Celtics are lost right now. Boston (32-17, 19-29-1 ATS) is just 5-7 in its past 12 games straight up and the Celtics have been absolutely nightmarish against the spread, going 2-7-1 in their past 10 games. Boston has at least been somewhat decent away from home, going 5-3 in its last eight games against the point spread on the road.

Kevin Garnett has struggled since returning from injury in late January. The forward hasn't surpassed 19 points once in his last nine games and he's failed to record double digits in rebounding over that span. At least Ray Allen is showing signs of waking up from his coma; the veteran closed out January by scoring single figures in five of his last eight games, but he's averaging 20 points per outing in four February games. Paul Pierce is questionable tonight with a foot injury. Defensively, the Celtics remain the league's best at 93.7 points per game allowed.

New Orleans (27-25, 25-27 ATS) has won just once in its last five games while going 2-3 against the spread in that span-although the Hornets have actually covered their past two games. Playing at home has been disastrous for New Orleans, though, with the team losing six consecutive games against the point spread on its home turf.

The Hornets remain without franchise point guard Chris Paul. If there's been a silver lining to Paul's injury situation, it's been the emergence of rookie guard Darren Collison. Collison dropped 27 points and nine dimes on Orlando in his last outing, bringing his numbers to 18.3 points and 9.7 assists per game in six starts since Paul went down. He's also shot over 50 percent from the field in his last three outings. Peja Stojakovic has also picked up his play for New Orleans; though only averaging 12.4 points per game on the year, Stojakovic is putting up 19.2 per game in February.

Boston has won four consecutive games over New Orleans, including 3-1 against the spread. The total SportsInteraction has it set at 192-has gone under in three straight.

LOOKING AHEAD The All-Star Game is nearly here, but there are two great matchups left tomorrow night before the weekend arrives.

Orlando at Cleveland (on TNT): LeBron and the Cavs are rolling but the Magic have had their number before. This is a great Eastern Conference tone-setter before the break arrives.

San Antonio at Denver (on TNT): Denver had been one of the hottest teams in the NBA until a few recent stumbles. Can the Nuggets head into the break on a high note by topping Tim Duncan and the Spurs?