The Boston Celtics defeated the Charlotte Hornets in a physical game that could impact Saturday's match.

Former Celtic Grant Williams bodychecked his former teammate Jayson Tatum late in the fourth quarter and was promptly ejected with a Flagrant 2. Jaylen Brown and others on the C's were visibly upset by Williams' strange play.

Tatum was uninjured and finished the game with 34 points and 11 rebounds. Brown added 25 points, six rebounds and five assists.

With veteran big man Al Horford sidelined (load management), Neemias Queta came off the bench with 12 points and six rebounds in 24 minutes.

LaMelo Ball had 31 points for Charlotte before being fouled late in the fourth. He was hit with a flagrant 1 near the end of the choppy fourth quarter.

There could be fireworks when these two teams face off again on Saturday at 6 p.m. ET here on NBC Sports Boston.

Check out our live blog below for a full recap of Friday's game: