Hawks vs Celtics Picks & Prediction: Celtics Aim For Eighth Straight Win

The Boston Celtics (32-25, 27-29-1 ATS) will look to maintain their status as the hottest team in the NBA when they host the Atlanta Hawks (26-29, 24-31) on Sunday at TD Garden. The Celtics will look to win their eighth straight game while the Hawks are 2-4 over their last six outings. Can Atlanta end Boston’s run? Find out in our Hawks vs Celtics prediction.

Hawks vs Celtics Odds & Analysis

Sportsbook Odds

The Hawks surprisingly opened as a 3.5-point favorite on the road over the streaking Celtics, though that number should move in Boston’s favor closer to tip off. The total was set at 226 points with the OVER going 4-1 in Atlanta’s last five contests and the UNDER going 8-2 in Boston’s last 10. If the Celtics somehow remain the underdog, they’ll make for an easy money play in your Hawks vs Celtics prediction.

Get the best Hawks vs Celtics odds and lines available from our recommended sportsbooks for your favorite picks of the night.

Hawks Lose Again As Young Has A Quiet Night

The Hawks lost in their last outing on Friday, falling 136-121 to the San Antonio Spurs as Dejounte Murray (32 points, 15 assists, 10 rebounds) posted a triple-double to lead his team to victory. Bogdan Bogdanovic led Atlanta with 23 points while Trae Young had a double-double with 18 points and 11 assists.

Atlanta has seen a dip in form as of late with just two victories over its last six outings following a seven-game win streak. The team seems to live and die by Young, who has averaged 37.7 points per game over their last three wins, and just 19 points per game over the last three losses.

Young (hip), Lou Williams (hamstring), and Delon Wright (hip) are all probable for Sunday while John Collins (heel) is out until after the All-Star break.

Celtics Win Seventh Straight With Another Strong Defensive Effort

Boston won its seventh straight game on Friday, defeating the Denver Nuggets 108-102. Jayson Tatum scored 24 points to lead the Celtics while Robert Williams posted 15 points and 16 boards for a double-double. Nikola Jokic had 23 points, 16 rebounds, and 11 assists in a triple-double effort for the Nuggets.

The Celtics continue to shut down their opponents over this win streak, allowing just 95 points per game over their last seven outings. You have to go all the way back to January 19 against the Charlotte Hornets (111-102 loss) to find the last time the Celtics allowed 110 or more points against, and the last time they allowed 120 or more was way back on December 3 versus the Utah Jazz (137-130 loss).

Daniel Theis (recently acquired) is probable for Sunday’s matchup.

Hawks vs Celtics Pick & Insights

Hawks: Keys to Cover

Atlanta is a solid offensive squad, averaging 112 points per game (8th), but the issue is they find themselves up against a seemingly impenetrable Boston team. If the Hawks have any chance of winning this game, it’ll be on the back of an outstanding effort from Young, who will likely need to score 30-plus while adding 10-plus assists.

Celtics: Keys to Cover

The Celtics have a clear game plan that’s been working for a while: make it difficult for the other team to score. Without Collins, the Hawks’ offense takes a big hit as the Celtics will only really need to focus on containing Young, and to a lesser extent, Bogdanovic.

Odds Shark’s Computer Hawks vs Celtics Prediction: Celtics -7.5

Check out more of Odds Shark’s signature NBA and NCAAB computer picks, plus our favorite sportsbooks that serve up basketball customers.

See Our Most Trusted NBA Sportsbooks