The Atlanta Hawks (21-19) travel to face off against the Boston Celtics (29-12) on Saturday, January 18th. This game will be played at TD Garden in Boston and televised on NBCS. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Tip-off is set for 7:00 ET.
Hawks vs Celtics
The Hawks Are Coming Off A Win
The Hawks improved to 21-19 on the season with a 110-94 road win over the Bulls on Wednesday. Atlanta, who entered the game as +6.5 point underdogs, not only won but covered the spread. The total score of 204 points fell well short of the 236-point over/under line.
A key moment came when the Hawks went on a 15-0 run, turning a 28-27 deficit into a 42-28 lead. After a 31-25 third quarter in favor of the Bulls, Atlanta’s defense stepped up in the 4th, holding Chicago to 16 points while scoring 24 to seal the win.
The Celtics Are Coming Off A Win
Boston improved to 29-12 with a dominant 121-94 win over the Magic on Friday. Playing at home, the Celtics were favored by 14.5 points and covered the spread, while the game’s total of 215 points narrowly exceeded the 213.5-point line.
Boston took control early, leading 35-28 after the 1st quarter and extending their lead by outscoring Orlando 31-26 in the 2nd. They continued to pull away in the 3rd, winning the quarter 30-22, and entered the 4th with a 96-76 lead. The Celtics closed out the game by holding the Magic to 18 points in the final quarter.
Hawks Offense Breakdown
Keaton Wallace led the Hawks to a win over the Bulls with 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, shooting 55.6% from the field and hitting 4 threes at 57.1%. Daeqwon Plowden added 19 points, connecting on 5 threes at 83.3% efficiency.
As a team, the Hawks shot 41% from the field and made 13 threes at a 30.2% rate. Wallace scored 11 points in the 2nd quarter, while Dyson Daniels added 7 of his 18 points in the same period.
Celtics Offense Breakdown
In their win over the Magic, the Celtics shot 52.5% from the field and hit 17 threes at a 45.9% clip. Jayson Tatum led the way with 30 points, including 15 in the 2nd quarter, while Kristaps Porzingis added 23 points, scoring 11 in the opening period.
Jaylen Brown contributed 20 points, with 13 coming in the 3rd quarter. Derrick White also added 12 points, scoring 7 in the 1st quarter.
Hawks Team Defense
The Hawks’ defense was solid on Wednesday, holding the Bulls to 94 points. They allowed 25 points in the 1st quarter and 31 in the 3rd but tightened up in the 4th, giving up just 16 points. Atlanta limited Chicago to 44% shooting from the field.
Atlanta’s defense was particularly effective against the three, as the Bulls shot just 22% from deep, making only 6 threes. The Hawks also recorded 11 steals and 5 blocks in the game.
Celtics Team Defense
The Hawks put on a strong defensive performance, holding the Bulls to just 94 points. They were particularly effective in the 4th quarter, where they allowed only 16 points. Overall, the Hawks gave up 25 points in the 1st quarter, 22 in the 2nd, and 31 in the 3rd.
Atlanta did an excellent job defending the three, limiting Chicago to just 6 made threes on 22% shooting. The Bulls also went 10/10 from the free-throw line. The Hawks finished with 37 defensive rebounds, gave up 8 offensive boards, and added 11 steals and 5 blocks.
Hawks vs Celtics Trends
- Through their last ten road games, Atlanta has an ATS record of just 3-7. However, their overall record was 4-6 while averaging 114 points per game.
- Across the Celtics last five home games, the team averaged 106 points per game while allowing 104. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 2-2-1, while going 3-2 straight-up.
- Through their last three games as the underdog, the Hawks have an ATS record of 2-1 and a straight up mark of 2-1.
- In their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Celtics have a straight up record of 6-4 and an ATS mark of 4-5-1.
Hawks vs Celtics Prediction
Not only do we have the Celtics winning this one by a score of 139-126, but we see them covering the spread. Our pick is to grab the Celtics at -11.
As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 234.5, and our model projects the Hawks and Celtics to reach a combined total of 265 points. Our bet is on taking the over.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:January 18, 2025 Celtics, Hawks