Atlanta Hawks - Boston Celtics predictions and free betting tips [25/03/2024]

On Tuesday morning, the Boston Celtics meet the Atlanta Hawks at the State Farm Arena.

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks, having lost 5 of their last 7 matches, bounced back by overpowering the Charlotte Hornets with a 132-91 scoreline in the last match, halting a two-game losing streak. In that game, Dejounte Murray impressed, scoring 28 points, with 7 rebounds, 12 assists and 4 steals. Bruno Fernando chipped in an additional 25 points off the bench, successfully making 11 out of 14 shots, and Garrison Mathews contributed 20 points. High efficiency was evident as the Hawks made 55 percent of their game shots and 20 out of the 42 three-pointers. They dominated the game comfortably, scoring 66 points in the second half and securing a convincing home victory.

Ranked tenth in the Eastern conference with 31 wins and 39 losses, the Hawks have a tough schedule in the next six days, when they have to play four home matches, including two encounters with the Boston Celtics. The team faces significant challenges as they strive to improve their conference standings. Fernando, who stood out in the last match, emphasises the importance of leveraging the home advantage and the team's readiness to confront the upcoming challenges.

The Hawks' line-up is significantly impacted by the injuries of key players including Trae Young, Jalen Johnson and Saddiq Bey, who all missed the last match. The return of Onyeka Okongwu after 13 missed games due to injury is eagerly anticipated, but the team has found a way to compensate their absence through the play of players like Murray, who has been consistently outstanding of late.

Boston Celtics

The Celtics, having won an impressive 20 out of 22 recent games, are aiming for their tenth consecutive win following a solid away victory over the Chicago Bulls with a scoreline of 124-113. In this matchup, Jayson Tatum delivered 26 points and 6 assists to the team, whilst both Sam Hauser and Al Horford added 23 points each, and Derrick White contributed 17 points and 6 assists. The Celtics showed high efficiency, making 51% of their game shots and 21 out of 48 three-pointers. Despite their splendid performance, they managed to pull away only in the fourth quarter when the Bulls scored just 21 points.

Riding a nine-game winning streak, the Celtics are gearing up for an important two-game series with Atlanta, being just a step away from the top spot in the Eastern conference. With a current record of 57 wins and 14 losses, they need just one more victory, or a Milwaukee Bucks defeat, to officially clinch the top playoff spot. Another triumph would solidify their position, accomplishing the highest victory tally since the 2008-2009 season. Hauser stresses the team's ambition for further achievements, despite the season nearing its end.

The Celtics continue to demonstrate remarkable adaptability and resilience despite injuries to key players such as Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford, Kristaps Porzingis, and the absence of Jrue Holiday since mid-March. Due to their depth of roster and mutual support, they have already clinched two victories over Atlanta this season, extending their winning stretch against the Hawks to 7 matches, including the last two held in Atlanta.

Atlanta Hawks - Boston Celtics match prediction

The Boston Celtics' roster is strained due to injuries: the absence of Jrue Holiday and doubts surrounding Derrick White complicate matters, whilst the Atlanta Hawks are grappling with the loss of Trae Young, Jalen Johnson and AJ Griffin. Despite these personnel issues, the Celtics continue to display the best basketball in the league and enter the match as favourites, despite being on the road. I'd wager on the Celtics extending their winning streak.