Celtics vs. Bobcats Stat Pack

 

*The Bobcats are the best team at protecting the basketball this season.

--Only 11.7 percent of their possessions result in a turnover (lowest in the league). The Celtics are 24^th in that category (14.2 percent).

*The Bobcats are among the best in free-throw differential this season. They attempt 4 more free throws per game than their opponents, which is tied for the 3^rd-best mark in the NBA. The Celtics are the 3^rd-worst team in that category this season (negative 3.5 free throw attempts per game).

--The Bobcats allow their opponents to shoot just 21.1 free throws per 100 possessions, the 2^nd-lowest mark in the league.

--The Bobcats foul just 19 times per 100 possessions, the 3^rd-lowest mark in the league.

*The Bobcats are on a 5-game winning streak for the first time since 2010.

--A Bobcats win on Friday would match their longest winning streak in franchise history.

*Only once in Jared Sullinger’s career has he had a streak of at least 3 doubles-doubles (January/February 2014). On Friday, he is in search of his 3^rd straight double-double.

*On Friday, Rajon Rondo is in search of his 2^nd double-double streak of at least 3 games this season.

*Avery Bradley scored 24 points on Wednesday after scoring just 20 points combined in his previous 3 games.

--It was just the 6^th time in his career that he made 4 shots from 3-point distance, but it was the first time that he made all of his 3-pointers when having at least 3 attempts from downtown.

*Al Jefferson owns a 1-12 record in games that he has played against the Celtics.

--The most free throws he has attempted against the Celtics in his career is 7 (done once as a member of the Jazz and once with the Timberwolves).

*For Saturday: the Celtics’ 13-game road losing streak has matched their longest road losing streak in franchise history (February to April 1979).

*The Celtics are still 9-7 against the Southeast Division this season, which is their only above-.500 record against a division.

--Their next-best winning percentage against a division: 5-10 vs. the Atlantic Division

*On Wednesday, the Celtics attempted 34 uncontested field goals, but attempted 50 contested ones.

*If the Celtics lose on Friday, they will have lost 14 straight games that were on the front end of back-to-backs.

--Their last such victory: November 29 against the Cavaliers

*Recent Meetings: Celtics vs. Bobcats

--The Celtics have dropped 3 of their last 5 games to the Bobcats after winning the previous 4 contests.