Battle in Beantown as Celtics Host Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks (6-0 SU, 5-1 ATS, 2-4 O/U) are off to a perfect start after getting an invaluable experience in last season’s first round playoff loss to the Boston Celtics (5-1 SU, 4-4 ATS, 2-6 O/U).
“I wish we could have played all of our games in Atlanta,” Hawks coach Mike Woodson said after the series. “Nobody thought we had an opportunity to even win a game in this series. We battled them right to the end.”
After extending the Celtics to a surprising seven games, the Hawks bowed out but have obviously learned that playing defense is important!
Atlanta has been nothing short of a jaw-dropping revelation, winning all six of their games to become one of just two remaining undefeated teams, along with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Atlanta has played an absolutely dominating brand of defense so far this season, limiting opponents to a measly, 89.5 points per game.
“It shows how deep this team is and we’re all unselfish,” Horford said. “Not every night is going to be Joe this year like it was previously. Now he has a supporting cast.”
The Hawks are coming off a solid 113-108 win over the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday.
Blossoming young power forward Al Horford scored a career-high 27 points, grabbed 17 rebounds and blocked six shots while veteran point guard Mike Bibby contributed 22 points and veteran, Maurice Evans17 off the bench.
Atlanta is off to its best start since going 11-0 in 1997-98.
“No one expected it but us,” Bibby said. “The only people who can stop us is ourselves.”
The Celtics are riding a five-game winning streak after spanking the ‘new-look’ Toronto raptors on Monday, winning 94-87 at home with a furious fourth quarter rally.
Boston is playing the spectacular brand of defense they displayed in winning the title last season, limiting opponents to just 86.8 points per game on 38.2 percent shooting from the field.
Boston is 4-0 at home after going 48-7 tat TDBanknorth last season.
Paul Pierce scored 36 points and torched the Raptors for 22 points in the fourth quarter alone.
“I’ve had a sprained hand for about a week, so we’re just icing it down,” Pierce said. “I try not to think about it. It’s been bothering me.”
Kevin Garnett added 21 points and 10 rebounds Monday for his fourth double-double of the season.
Here is a look at the key trends for each team, followed by my in-depth analysis and NBA Free Picks.
The Hawks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
The Hawks are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference.
The Celtics are 10-2 ATS in their last 12 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
The Celtics are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 1 days rest.
The Under is 4-0 in Hawks last 4 road games.
The Under is 6-1 in Celtics last 7 vs. Eastern Conference.
The Home team is 7-0 ATS in the last 7 meetings.
The Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Boston.
The Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings.
NBA Odds
Atlanta Hawks +10½ -110
Boston Celtics -10½ -110
Over 183½ -110
Under 183½ -110
Analysis: This pick is as easy as pie BetUS NBA basketball bettors! Despite being the reigning champs, the hawks match up well with Boston and clearly have a newfound confidence that is as genuine as it gets. The Hawks fully believe they can play with Boston and I think they can.
The Hawks cover this high spread easily but the Celtics get the win in a defensive battle.
