NBA
Atlanta Hawks vs Boston Celtics Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction
Date: Saturday 18th January 2025 Start time: 7 pm local time (00:00 am BST) Venue: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts Last meeting: November 12, 2024, Atlanta Hawks 117-116 Boston Celtics The Boston Celtics welcome the Atlanta Hawks for this all-Eastern Conference affair in Massachusetts.
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Jayson Tatum//Getty Images
The Boston Celtics welcome the Atlanta Hawks for this all-Eastern Conference affair in Massachusetts. The Celtics are sitting second in the charts whereas the Hawks are demoted to the ninth spot, but this matchup always seems to deliver irrespective of the current form of either franchise. The Celtics are looking to string together a run to catch up with the Cleveland Cavaliers ahead, whereas the Hawks are aiming for the tail end of the playoffs.
SportsBoom’s detailed article offers insight into our top-value bets, as well as concise content surrounding key players from both sides and their historic head-to-head records.
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Pre-Game Odds and Win Probability
Atlanta Hawks: 5/4 (2.25) – 44.4%
Boston Celtics: 4/7 (1.57) – 63.6%
Betting available on Stake closer to event
Head-to-Head Record
This matchup is a fixture that has stood the test of time and has provided many exciting moments over the years. The Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks have faced off an impressive 395 times throughout the regular season, with the Celtics prevailing on 245 occasions. The Hawks have 150 wins themselves, showing the rich history of what this encounter means to both franchises.
In their last five meetings, the Hawks have the edge by winning three fixtures, including their most recent fixture after their close-fought victory. Three games have come down to a one-possession game, displaying the sheer competitiveness of either side. Despite Boston having a slightly inferior record against Atalanta in their last five games, the organization won seven on the trot before that run ended in March 2024.
Last Five Matches
| Season | Date | Result |
| 2024/25 Season | November 12, 2024 | Atlanta Hawks 117-116 Boston Celtics |
| 2024/25 Season | November 4, 2024 | Boston Celtics 123-93 Atlanta Hawks |
| 2023/24 Season | March 28, 2024 | Atlanta Hawks 123-122 Boston Celtics |
| 2023/24 Season | March 25, 2024 | Atlanta Hawks 120--118 Boston Celtics |
| 2023/24 Season | February 7, 2024 | Boston Celtics 125-117 Atlanta Hawks |
How is the season so far for both teams?
Atlanta Hawks
- Record: 19-19
- Home Form: 10-7
- Road Form: 9-12
The Atlanta Hawks have fallen to ninth in the Eastern Conference. The team currently sit at exactly .500 for the season after 38 games. With their record currently at 19-19, the organization are slowly drifting away from the higher seeds above them. The Hawks are 10-7 at home but 9-12 on the road.
Trae Young is their leading star within the franchise. The 26-year-old is averaging an impressive 12.1 assists per game, statistics that place him first overall in the league. His drive to help the team is evident as he is a powerhouse within the team’s offensive structure. In addition, he is averaging 22.5 points per game. This number is a slight reduction from previous seasons, but he is still playing at a high level.
On the other side of the court, the Hawks rely on small forward Jalen Johnson to help with regaining possession. The 23-year-old has raised the bar this season, averaging 10.1 rebounds per game, stats that place him 14th in the entire league. His defensive playmaking ability has played a pivotal role when he’s on the court. In addition, he is producing 19.8 points, a pretty impressive stat line for someone in their fourth year in the NBA itself.
Boston Celtics
- Record: 28-11
- Home Form: 14-7
- Road Form: 14-4
The Boston Celtics are still the second seed in the Eastern Conference with a 28-11 record. The organization has slowly regressed after an electric start, considering the team has a 6-4 record in their previous ten games. Despite tailoring off slightly, the Celtics won’t need to worry as their team is one of the best in their Conference and the league as a whole.
This preview is simply impossible to cover without mentioning Jayson Tatum. The 26-year-old’s role within the roster is paramount, and he is still improving as the season progresses. He is the stat leader in points per game, rebounds, assists and steals. He has raised his points per game to 27.8 for the season and is nearly averaging double figures in rebounds with 9.3 on average. His energy on the court only enhances those surrounding him.
Playing in only one more game than Tatum this season is their starting point guard Derrick White, who has only missed three games throughout the season. His reliability since joining in 2021 has played a crucial role in the roster, and his stat line is mightily impressive. He is averaging 16.7 points per game, 4.4 assists and rebounds and is their leading in blocks with 1.3 per game.
Value Bets
Jason Tatum: Over 20 Points, Over 5 Rebounds and Over 5 Assists
Our first valued bet is Jason Tatum. The Celtics star is averaging 24.9 points, 7 rebounds and 4.3 assists throughout 26 career encounters. Tatum’s last five games, in particular, stand out, as the Boston frontman has posted over 20 points in each game but delivered the goods to his teammates and in defense. Tatum’s a banker for producing high-quality basketball week in and week out.
Trae Young: Over 20 Points and 5 Assists
SportsBoom predicts Trae Young to complete a similar final stat line, as he is averaging 24.4 points and 7.6 assists in his career against the Celtics. His last game was more than difficult as he only secured 2 points and 6 assists, but before that occasion, he was either completing double-doubles or getting close to it. Young will be an important figure in this game to try and prevail against the reigning NBA champions.
Prediction: Boston Celtics to win
In conclusion, SportsBoom predicts the Boston Celtics to prevail. The Celtics have the potential to cause too much damage, but based on their very recent head-to-head, a replication of these close encounters could repeat itself. This matchup has the potential to be very close, but the Celtics have the far superior recent matchup record in their favour too. For those looking to back their predictions with a bet, check out our top bookmakers list to find trusted platforms offering competitive odds.
Henry Cheal is a versatile freelance sports journalist with extensive experience in the industry. Henry has previously worked at the 2024 World Snooker Championship and earned a Multimedia Sports Journalism degree from UCFB in 2023.
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