CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- It's the day Hornets fans knew was coming when Kemba Walker signed with Boston in free agency last summer.

  • The Charlotte Hornets will play the Boston Celtics Thursday at 8:00 p.m.
  • The game will be held at the Spectrum Center
  • This is the first time Kemba Walker returns to Charlotte since signing with the Celtics

Thursday marks Walker's first game back in Charlotte, but this time he'll be wearing Celtics green. Walker says he's looking forward to seeing familiar faces and expects a warm welcome from Hornets fans.

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Why not? In eight seasons in Charlotte, Walker was a part of two playoff teams, a three-time All-Star, and became the franchise's all-time leading scorer. However, he admits returning to Charlotte feels "surreal"

Walker says he watches Hornets games when he's not playing and said it's exciting to see the growth of their young players. However, he added all he wants to do Thursday night is to win.