The Boston Celtics go for a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference playoff series with the Atlanta Hawks when the two teams square off in Game 2 on Tuesday night. Boston took the opening game of the series on Saturday, routing the Hawks 112-99 at home.
Atlanta had advanced into the playoffs with an upset of the Miami Heat on the road in the play-in tournament, earning the seventh seed in the East. Let’s take a closer look at this contest and the Hawks vs Celtics odds so we can determine how you want to make your NBA picks today on Game 2.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics Odds
Looking at the NBA odds today, the second-seeded Celtics are the heavy favorites in Game 2 of the series. Boston is giving 10 points on a point-spread bet, with -110 odds on either side of that wager.
The Hawks vs Celtics odds will get you Boston at -220 on a moneyline bet, with the Hawks listed at +180 for a straight-up victory. The over/under is set at 229½ points, with -110 odds available for whichever bet you make on that.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics Information
Atlanta Hawks vs Boston Celtics
Location of the Game: TD Garden, Boston, MA.
Date and Time: Tuesday, April 18, 2023, 7:00 PM ET.
How to Watch: NBA TV
Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics Betting Preview
Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks injury report is empty, but the team didn’t play up to par in Game 1, managing just 99 points. Guard Trae Young wasn’t at his usual high standards, finishing with 16 points and eight assists while shooting just 1-of-5 from 3-point range. In the regular season, Young ranked among the leaders in NBA player stats, finishing 10th in scoring (26.2 points) and second in assists (10.2 per game).
The NBA playoffs schedule will hopefully help the Hawks get over their rough first game by getting back on the court quickly. Atlanta is hoping for another big game from Dejounte Murray, who had 24 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three steals in Game 1. The 26-year-old is a solid second scorer, but the Hawks need Young playing well also.
The improvement for Atlanta must come at the defensive end, where Boston racked up 74 first-half points. The Hawks can’t be playing from behind, so they have to get off to a faster start in Game 2.
Boston Celtics
When making your Boston Celtics picks, you have to factor in that they’re playing at home, where they were 32-9 over the regular-season portion of the NBA schedule. They were also among the leaders in NBA team stats in scoring defense, holding opponents to 111.4 points per game.
Of course, having the dynamic duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown helps as well. Brown had 29 points and 12 rebounds in the series opener, while Tatum added 25 points and 11 boards. When those two get going, the Celtics are a hard team to stop, as they are able to score from anywhere on the floor, making things difficult on the opposing defense.
Guard Marcus Smart is also a key component for Boston, as shown by his 11 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, two blocks, and three steals in Game 1. The former NBA Defensive Player of the Year is going to hound the Hawks’ guards all over the floor, making it hard for them to get going.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics Betting Picks
The Hawks vs Celtics odds see Game 2 as a potential blowout, and we can’t say we don’t agree. This is one of those NBA matchups that is going to be difficult for Atlanta, because not only can Boston score at the same rate as the Hawks, but it has a better defense.
That defense should shine through again in this one, as the Celtics earn an easy low-scoring victory, much like Game 1.
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