Hawks vs Celtics Game 1 Prediction and Best Bets: Will Tatum and Boston torch Atlanta again?

Boston's quest for a third NBA Finals trip in five seasons will get underway tomorrow afternoon as they host the Atlanta Hawks in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series (3:30 pm ET, ESPN).

The Celtics finished second in the Eastern Conference standings with a 57-25 record, one game behind the Milwaukee Bucks.

Instead of a matchup with the Miami Heat, who they defeated in the Eastern Conference finals last season, the Celtics will start their postseason journey with a showdown with the Hawks, who finished eighth in the East but claimed the #7 seed for the playoffs by virtue of a play-in win in Miami on Tuesday.

Will Atlanta pull off another road upset to open the first round? Read on for our Hawks vs Celtics prediction, as well as our betting picks for the opener at TD Garden.

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Atlanta Hawks vs Boston Celtics Odds

Odds are via BetOnline as of Friday, April 14, 2023.

Spread

• Atlanta Hawks +9 (-110)
• Boston Celtics -9 (-110)

Over/Under

• Over 230.5 (-112)
• Under 230.5 (-108)

Moneyline

• Atlanta Hawks +315
• Boston Celtics -400

Will Boston Light Up the Scoreboard Against Atlanta Yet Again?

Of the 20 teams that qualified for the play-in tournament or the playoffs, the Hawks and Sacramento Kings were the two worst defensive teams, both allowing an average of 118.1 points per game.

For the Hawks, that number was third worst in the Eastern Conference, ahead of only the Detroit Pistons (118.5 PPG) and Indiana Pacers (119.5 PPG).

Atlanta's defensive deficiencies were on full display in their three regular season games against the Celtics, all of which were losses.

Atlanta Hawks vs Boston Celtics Head-to-Head Results (2022-23 Season)

• November 16 (at Atlanta): Celtics 126, Hawks 101
• March 11 (at Atlanta): Celtics 134, Hawks 125
• April 9 (at Boston): Celtics 120, Hawks 114

In all three wins, the Celtics hit 20 or more threes, including 25 in the win on the final day of the regular season, when all of the leading players for both teams sat out.

In Tuesday's play-in win in Miami, the Hawks had one of their better defensive performances of the season, allowing 105 or fewer points for just the ninth time all season and holding the Heat to just 42.9% shooting from the field.

But a repeat performance in Game 1 in Boston is unlikely to occur. In the eight regular season instances in which Atlanta allowed 105 or fewer points, they gave up 120 or more in the following game six times.

Also, the task ahead of the Hawks tomorrow is a little different than the task that faced them against the Heat.

Miami is one of the league's best defensive teams, but they finished also dead last in the league in points per game (109.5), 27th in three-point percentage (34.4%), and 26th in field goal percentage (46.0%), the Celtics were fourth, sixth, and 14th respectively in those categories.

Atlanta Hawks vs Boston Celtics Prediction and Best Bets

Prediction for Hawks vs Celtics: Celtics to win

Best Bets for Hawks vs Celtics: Celtics team total over 119.5 (Best Value: Bovada Sportsbook & BetMGM) & Celtics -9

When the Hawks allowed 120 or more points in the regular season, they were 11-30 SU and 9-32-0 ATS.

So, if they allow 120 or more points to the Celtics for a fourth straight time this season, the outcome is unlikely to be in their favor.

Best Player Props for Hawks vs Celtics

• Jayson Tatum over 13.5 rebounds + assists (Best Value: BetMGM)

In the two games he played against the Hawks in the regular season, Tatum recorded seven rebounds and eight assists in the win in November and 15 rebounds and six assists in the win in March.

Where to Bet on Hawks vs Celtics

Here are four legal sports betting sites that we highly recommend and have reviewed, where you can bet on this year's NBA postseason action.

This is a very popular time of year, and you can get in on the action at any of the top sports betting sites out there.

But these four books are all reputable names, and you can trust them with your betting funds.