The First Round of the NBA Playoffs has been set, and the Celtics will host the Hawks in Game 1 on Saturday, April 15. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 pm ET while airing on ESPN. The Celtics enter this game as 9-point favorites with the total set at 230.5. How will this one play out? Let’s dive into the Celtics vs. Hawks predictions below.
Celtics vs. Hawks Odds
- Spread: Celtics -9
- Total: 230.5
Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook. New to FanDuel? Check out our FanDuel Sportsbook Review to find out how to redeem a $1,000 risk-free bet!
Game Info
- Date: Saturday, April 15
- Time: 3:30 pm ET
- Location: TD Garden – Boston, MA
- TV: ESPN
Live in a non-sports betting state? Check out these sportsbook alternatives in our complete guide: Can I Bet On Sports In A Non-Legal State?
Celtics Betting Trends
- Celtics are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
- Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.
- Over is 5-2 in Celtics last 7 overall.
Hawks Betting Trends
- Hawks are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
- Over is 4-0-1 in Hawks last 5 overall.
- Hawks are 0-4 ATS in the last 4 meetings in Boston.
Celtics vs. Hawks Predictions
The Celtics beat the Hawks in all three meetings this season. One of those took place in Boston last week (April 9), and the Celtics won 120-114. However, both teams rested their starters for that game in anticipation of the playoffs.
So what’s going to happen this time around? The Hawks have failed to cover the spread four straight times at Boston. Having said that, a 9 point spread in a playoff game seems like a tall ask, even for a solid team like the Celtics.
Because of that, we are going to focus on the total here. The Celtics have gone over the total in five of their last seven games. The Hawks have gone 4-0-1 to the over in their last five. The last two meetings between these sides both flew over 230.5 total points.
Atlanta ranks top ten in pace and bottom ten in defensive efficiency, which could bring out the best in Boston’s offense. Take the over!
The Pick: Over 230.5 | -110 at FanDuel Sportsbook