Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics Prediction, NBA Odds
Boston is a 10-point favourite on the NBA odds with a total of 229.5 points.
Hawks vs. Celtics NBA Betting Odds
With Boston prevailing 112-99 in Game 1, the Celtics are now -3333 on the series line with Atlanta +897. On the series handicap of -2.5 games, Boston is -286 and the Hawks +201. The series correct score after three favourite is Boston up 3-0 at -127. The over-under for series games is 5.5 with the under a .294 favourite. That it finishes in five is the +139 leader.
The second-seeded Celtics’ chances of winning the Eastern Conference for a second year in a row may have improved Sunday when top-seeded Milwaukee lost 130-117 at home to Miami in Game 1 of its series and also lost superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo to a lower back injury. If he misses any more time, the Bucks might lose that series and then home-court advantage throughout the East playoffs shifts to Boston presuming it advances.
The Hawks are 0-6 against the spread in the past six meetings.
Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks can’t win this series unless Trae Young goes nuts in it, and he didn’t on Sunday in a 112-99 loss – the Hawks scored at least 100 points in their final 57 regular-season games, marking the NBA’s longest active streak. Young was harassed into making just 5-for-18 overall and 1-for-5 from deep for 16 points and a minus-14 rating. No one played very well in Game 1 other than backcourt mate Dejounte Murray, who had 24 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals. He became the first player in franchise history to record at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists with three steals in his playoff debut with the club. Atlanta had 13 steals as a team, tied for a club record in a playoff game. However, it was 5-for-29 from deep and won’t beat anyone shooting like that. The Hawks are 4-9 ATS in their past 13 on the road.
Boston Celtics
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla made a change to his starting lineup ahead of Game 1, inserting guard Derrick White in and putting centre Robert Williams among the reserves. Mazzulla wanted the excellent defensive double team of White and reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart wreaking havoc from the start and it worked. White had 24 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum combined for 54 points. Williams had 12 points on 6-for-6 shooting and eight boards off the bench. The Celtics were up 30 at the break, their biggest first-half postseason lead since Game 1 of the 1985 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. If Mazzulla wants to nitpick, Boston shot 34.9 per cent in the second half after 60 per cent in the first. The Celtics are 5-0 ATS in their past 15.
ATL
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