The Boston Celtics (35-15) and the Atlanta Hawks (14-38) go head-to-head at TD Garden. The Celtics look to continue their five-game winning streak. The game gets underway at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, February 7, 2020.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics Betting Odds
Both teams covered in their last outing. The Celtics (3-point favorites) defeated the Orlando Magic 116-100, while the Hawks (4.5-point underdog) beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 127-120. Both games finished over their projected point totals. The Boston game went 4 points over the projected point total of 212, while the Atlanta game finished 8 points over the projected point total of 239.
Atlanta played a nearly perfect game. They had a phenomenal free throw rate of 0.341 (above their season average of 0.197) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.6 (below their season average of 21.2). Minnesota was 0.231 and 14.0, respectively, for those same stats. The Celtics, meanwhile, forced 17 turnovers and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.610 (above their season average of 0.531). Boston was lifted by Jayson Tatum, who had 33 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Trae Young, meanwhile led the way for Atlanta, recording 38 points and 11 assists.
The Celtics have won both matchups against the Hawks this season. The two teams combined to put up 238 points in their most recent game, which was just over the projected point total of 234. Boston won 123-115, covering as a 6-point favorite. Boston won the rebounding battle. The Celtics had 11 offensive rebounds and 44 total rebounds, while the Hawks had six and 32, respectively. Collins had a double-double in the loss with 22 points and 11 rebounds.
Of the Hawks’ 52 games, 30 have finished over the total. Atlanta heads into the game with records of 14-38 straight up (SU) and 24-28 against the spread (ATS).
In opposition of Atlanta, Celtics games have gone under the O/U total 52.0 percent of the time. Further, Boston is 35-15 SU and 31-18-1 ATS.
The high-octane offense of Boston will go head-to-head against the mid-tier defense of Atlanta. The Celtics rank sixth in offensive efficiency, while the Hawks are 27th in defensive efficiency. The Celtics figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball. It could also be a sloppy game for the Hawks’ offense, which ranks 29th in ball protection (turnover percentage of 15.3 percent). They’ll be going up against the top-notch defense of the Celtics, which forces the third-most turnovers in the NBA (14.6 percent).
Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Celtics rank fourth in assists allowed per game (22.8) while the Hawks rank 16th (24.4).
- Boston ranks fourth in points allowed in the paint per game (43.0) while Atlanta ranks 29th (53.8).
- The Celtics average 5.8 blocks per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. The Hawks rank 28th in blocks allowed per game (6.3).
- Boston ranks sixth in fast-break points per game (15.3) while Atlanta ranks 25th in fast-break points allowed per game (14.6).
- Boston averages 13.2 second chance points per game, which ranks 12th in the NBA. Atlanta ranks 28th in second chance points allowed per game (14.5).
- The Celtics rank fourth in points off turnovers per game (18.1) while the Hawks rank 28th in points off turnovers allowed per game (20.0).
- The Celtics rank ninth in rebounds allowed per game (43.7) while the Hawks rank 26th (46.7).
- Atlanta averages 35.4 three pointers per game, which ranks eighth in the league. Boston ranks 15th in three pointers allowed per game (33.5).
- Boston averages 8.4 steals per game, which ranks sixth in the league. Atlanta ranks 28th in steals allowed per game (9.0).
- When allowing under 100 points, Boston is 12-2 and Atlanta is 4-0.
- The Celtics are 34-9 when they reach 100 points, while the Hawks are 14-31.
- Atlanta is 9-18 ATS on the road, while Boston is 16-10 ATS at home.
- The Hawks have 17 overs and 10 unders in 27 road games.
- The Celtics have 14 overs, 11 unders and 1 push in 26 home games.
Bettings Trends:
- The Celtics are 5-0 ATS over their last five games, while the Hawks are 2-3.
- In their last five games, Boston has 3 overs and 2 unders, while Atlanta has 4 overs and 1 under.
- During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 116.6 points per game (3.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 103.0 points per game (2.4 below their season average).
- The Hawks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 6.0, down from 8.8 for the season.
