NBA on TNT picks: Celtics vs. Hornets, Blazers vs. Clippers

The NBA is back on TNT with an intriguing double-header, featuring Kemba Walker's homecoming in Charlotte and a high-octane Western Conference clash between the Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Clippers. We have odds and picks for both Thursday matchups below.

Boston Celtics at Charlotte Hornets, 8 p.m. ET

Thursday will be a night of mixed emotions for Kemba Walker, who will play in Charlotte for the first time since he signed a four-year, $141 million max contract with the Boston Celtics. The All-Star point guard is the franchise leader in 14 offensive categories and remains a beloved figure in the Queen City after he spent the first eight years of his career with the Hornets.

Walker is a long way away from etching his name in the Celtics record books, but he has already become a critical part of the team. The 29-year-old is averaging 26 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists and has led Boston to a sparkling 5-1 record. Walker has also been a calming and unifying presence in the locker room, which is a welcome change after two years of dealing with Kyrie Irving's tantrums and tirades.

Walker has had plenty of help this year from Jayson Tatum, who is averaging a career-high 21.3 points per game, and Gordon Hayward, who finally appears to have regained his confidence and explosiveness after a gruesome leg injury in 2017. The former All-Star was especially dominant Tuesday against the Cavaliers, as he pumped in 39 points in 31 minutes, to go along with seven rebounds and eight assists.

The Celtics will be facing a surprisingly solid opponent in the 4-3 Hornets. Not much was expected of Charlotte this season, after the team essentially swapped Walker for Terry Rozier, but James Borrego's squad had proven to be a scrappy, resilient bunch. Charlotte is riding a three-game winning streak and has gotten huge contributions from sophomore guard Devonte' Graham, who has increased his scoring average by 12.6 points per game, and rookie P.J. Washington, who is averaging 15.1 points and is shooting 46.7% from three-point range.

For the first time in years, Charlotte appears to have a solid young nucleus and a clear direction forward. There's reason for hope, just not against the Celtics, whose young stars are already further ahead in their development and have spent far longer together as a unit. Expect Walker to have a huge game and for Boston's depth and chemistry to carry the day.

Pick: Boston moneyline and -6.5

Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Clippers, 10:30 p.m. ET

The Blazers could be catching the Clippers at just the right time. Los Angeles fell to Milwaukee 129-124 on Wednesday night in a hard-fought game that went right down to the wire. Five players logged 29 minutes or more, and the Clips may be fatigued as they face an explosive Portland squad, which is averaging 114.4 points per game and is 10th in pace. The Clippers were 7-7 last season on the second night of back-to-back games and, like many teams facing double duty, may find themselves huffing and puffing during the final quarter.

The good news for L.A. is that it will have Kawhi Leonard back in the lineup. The two-time NBA Finals MVP sat out his second game of the season Wednesday for load management. The strategy seems to be working, as Leonard is averaging 29.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists and has been the best player on the court in each of the six games he's played.

The Clippers will face a Blazers squad that is coming off a head-scratching 127-118 loss to the Golden State Warriors'  junior varsity team. Portland is 10th in the crowded Western Conference but remains as dangerous as ever, thanks to its high-octane backcourt of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. The pair are averaging a combined 51.8 points per game this season and are a threat to go super nova on any given night. If they can get a little help tonight from Rodney Hood or Hassan Whiteside, they should be able to keep this game close.

Pick: Portland +5.5

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