Celtics vs. Hawks Prediction: NBA Odds, Point Spread
The two guards voted to start from the Eastern Conference for the Feb. 16 NBA All-Star Game in Chicago were Boston’s Kemba Walker and Atlanta’s Trae Young. No “experts” had any problems with Walker’s selection, but some had issues with Young. He’s putting up spectacular offensive numbers but is a horrible defender, turns the ball over a lot and is playing on a terrible team. The two All-Star captains are LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo, and they will draft their teams this Thursday. Both have to select from the starters’ pool first. Toronto’s Pascal Siakam is among that group.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
It’s the second of three regular-season meetings between the Celtics and Hawks – they wrap up the season series Friday in Boston. The teams played there on Jan. 3 and the Celtics won (but didn’t cover a sizable number) 109-106.
Atlanta led by as many as 18 in the first quarter but then didn’t “win” another quarter. Young had 28 points and 10 assists but had a 3-point attempt blocked in the final seconds. Jaylen Brown had 24 points and 10 rebounds for the Celtics. Walker was out with the flu. Marcus Smart started in his place and had 15 points, including a crucial 3-pointer in the final minute.
The over is 7-3-1 in the past 10 meetings. The teams have split those 10 ATS.
Boston Celtics
Boston was a 116-95 winner at home vs. Philadelphia on Saturday for a third win in a row. Brown had 32 points and nine boards, and Jayson Tatum 25 points. They are one of the best young forward duos in the NBA. Tatum was named an All-Star and Brown as a notable snub. Walker was out with a knee injury and will not play here, either. Smart started for him and had 16 points but is being called doubtful Monday with a right thigh contusion. Centre Enes Kanter has missed the past five with a hip injury and is questionable. The Celtics are 5-2 ATS in their past seven on Monday.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks were 123-100 losers in Dallas on Saturday – defence has been a problem all year as Atlanta ranks 29th in allowing 118.2 ppg. Don’t be surprised if the Hawks make a fairly major trade before Thursday’s deadline. Detroit’s Andre Drummond and Houston’s Clint Capela have both been rumoured. Young left Saturday with a right ankle sprain but it’s not overly serious and he might play here.
Rookie first-rounder Cam Reddish was elbowed in the face and will sit with concussion-like symptoms. That could mean more time for ex-Raptor Vince Carter. Yep, at 43 he’s still in the league. The Hawks are 5-1 ATS in their past six as home underdogs.