Atlanta Hawks vs Boston Celtics Prediction and Betting Tips | Jan. 18, 2025

The Atlanta Hawks square off against the Boston Celtics on Saturday, the third and final meeting this season. A victory by Atlanta, which beat Boston 117-116 in mid-November, will give Trae Young and Co. the season series. The Hawks could be without Jalen Johnson and De’Andre Hunter, who are on the injury report.

The Celtics, having alternated between wins and losses in their last seven games, aim to break this pattern. They dominated the injury-stricken Orlando Magic with a score of 121-94 on Friday but anticipate a challenge from the Hawks. Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White are set to guide the defending champions.

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Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics Preview, Prediction, Starting Lineups and Betting Tips

TD Garden will host the Hawks-Celtics tiff. Basketball fans can catch the action by streaming the game via the NBA League Pass.

Moneyline: Hawks (+425) vs. Celtics (-575)

Odds: Hawks (+11.0) vs. Celtics (-11.0)

Total (O/U): Hawks (o234.5 -110) vs. Celtics (u234.5 -110)

Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

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Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics preview

The Atlanta Hawks stunned the Boston Celtics in their last meeting, even without Trae Young. Ice Trae (rib contusion) and De’Andre Hunter (foot soreness) are on the injury report but are expected to play. Even if Jalen Johnson can’t get the signal to play, the Hawks will give the defending champs a fight.

After so-so performances in the past two weeks, Boston ditched their overreliance on the 3-point shot. They dominated the Orlando Magic by determining when they would hoist 3-pointers. The result was a more efficient output that led to their blowout win.

It remains to be seen if the Celtics will be committed to their new strategy. The game opened up for them when they attacked the rim instead of just jacking up 3s. After whipping the Magic, the Cs could employ the same strategy when they host the Hawks.

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Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics predicted starting lineups

Hawks

PG: Trae Young | SG: Dyson Daniels | SF: Keaton Wallace | PF: David Roddy | C: Clint Capela

Celtics

PG: Derrick White | PG: Jrue Holiday | SG: Jaylen Brown | PF: Jayson Tatum | C: Al Horford

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Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics betting tips

Jaylen Brown’s offense has stuttered in January, averaging 17.8 points per game after hitting over 24.0 PPG in the previous month. Boston will play the back end of two consecutive games, which could help prevent JB from topping his 24.5 (O/U) points prop.

Trae Young is well-rested after the Hawks held him out due to rib soreness. The diminutive guard has been on fire this month, averaging 28.5 PPG. Before getting a rest, he erupted for 43 points against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. Ice Trae could hit the over in his 22.5 (O/U) points prop.

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Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics prediction

The Boston Celtics played with more sharpness and energy in the win against the Magic. Although they are playing the second night of a back-to-back set, they arguably have the advantage in firepower.

Boston could win the season series with another win but allow the Atlanta Hawks to cover the +11.0 spread.