NBA Game Preview: Atlanta Hawks (23-25) vs. Boston Celtics (29-17)

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The Atlanta Hawks (23-25) face the Boston Celtics (29-17) in an Eastern Conference matchup as the Hawks look to snap a two-game losing streak against a Celtics team aiming to extend their home dominance. Atlanta, sitting 9th in the East, has struggled with consistency but boasts strong guard play, while Boston, 2nd in the East, relies on elite defense and balanced scoring. This game could hinge on three-point shooting and turnover control, with potential for a Celtics rout if their defense locks in or a Hawks upset if Trae Young exploits Boston’s occasional perimeter lapses.

Venue Location

The game will be played at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. This 19,156-capacity arena, opened in 1995, is the home of the Celtics and known for its raucous fans and historic banners.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM EST (4:30 PM PST / 12:30 AM GMT

Recent Team Forms

The Hawks have been inconsistent, posting a 4-6 record in their last 10 games with a -3.5 point differential. They’ve lost two straight, including a 129-122 defeat to the Raptors on January 26, averaging 115 PPG but allowing 118.5. Trae Young (27 PPG) and Jalen Johnson (18 PPG) lead the way, with strong three-point shooting (37%) but rebounding issues (42 per game).

The Celtics are surging, going 7-3 in their last 10 with a +8.0 point differential. They’ve won three straight at home, including a 125-110 victory over the Clippers on January 26, averaging 120 PPG while holding opponents to 112. Jayson Tatum (28 PPG) and Jaylen Brown (24 PPG) anchor the offense, with elite three-point defense (34% allowed) but occasional turnover problems (13 per game).

TeamLast 10 RecordPoints For (Avg)Points Against (Avg)Streak
Atlanta Hawks4-6115.0118.5L2
Boston Celtics7-3120.0112.0W3

Injury Report

Injuries are minimal, but key absences could impact depth.

Atlanta Hawks:

Kobe Bufkin (G, shoulder): Out for the season (torn labrum surgery).

De’Andre Hunter (F, knee): Questionable (inflammation; limited in practice).

Overall: Two absences thinning the bench, forcing reliance on guards like Young and Murray.

Boston Celtics:

Kristaps Porzingis (C, ankle): Questionable (sprain; status after warm-ups).

Overall: One key big in doubt, but core healthy with Tatum and Brown full-go.

Key Player Matchups

This Eastern Conference tilt features star-studded battles.

Trae Young (Hawks G) vs. Jrue Holiday (Celtics G): Young’s scoring (27 PPG, 11 APG) vs. Holiday’s defense (elite on-ball, 1.5 SPG).

Dejounte Murray (Hawks G) vs. Derrick White (Celtics G): Murray’s versatility (22 PPG) challenged by White’s shooting (18 PPG, 40% 3PT).

Jalen Johnson (Hawks F) vs. Jayson Tatum (Celtics F): Johnson’s athleticism (18 PPG, 10 RPG) vs. Tatum’s scoring (28 PPG).

Clint Capela (Hawks C) vs. Al Horford (Celtics C): Capela’s rebounding (11 RPG) vs. Horford’s spacing (12 PPG, 38% 3PT).

Key X-Factor: Jaylen Brown (Celtics F) could exploit Hawks’ wing defense with his drives (24 PPG).

Series History

The Celtics lead the all-time series 249-145 in 394 meetings. Boston has won 6 of the last 7, including a 125-117 victory in 2025. Average total points: 225.4, with overs hitting in 4 of 5. In Boston, the Celtics are 4-1 in the last 5 vs. Hawks.

Last 5 Head-to-Head GamesDateResultTotal Points
Hawks @ Celtics11/15/2025Celtics 125-117242
Celtics @ Hawks10/20/2025Celtics 112-108220
Hawks @ Celtics03/10/2024Celtics 120-115235
Celtics @ Hawks12/05/2024Celtics 105-102207
Hawks @ Celtics02/28/2024Hawks 118-115233

Betting Trends

Spread: Boston is 15-10 ATS at home; Atlanta 12-13 ATS on the road.

Over/Under: The over has hit in 6 of Boston’s last 10 home games and 5 of Atlanta’s last 10 overall.

Trends: Celtics 4-1 in last 5 home games; Hawks 2-3 in last 5 road.

Game Odds

Atlanta Hawks                   231.5

Boston Celtics                   – 7.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 27, 2026

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