The Boston Celtics (54-25) square off against the Atlanta Hawks (23-57) at TD Garden. The game starts at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 8, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports – Southeast.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 202 points with Boston set as a 10-point favorite.
Atlanta Hawks at Boston Celtics Free Prediction
In the Hawks’ last contest, they beat the Washington Wizards, 103-97. Atlanta held the Wizards to an effective field goal percentage of 0.454 (below their season average of 0.527). Washington, on the other hand, forced the Hawks into a turnover percentage of 16.8 (above their season average of 13.8). Atlanta received a boost from Dewayne Dedmon, who recorded 12 points and 14 rebounds.
The Celtics defeated the Chicago Bulls in their last outing, 111-104. Boston was lights out from beyond the arc (14-34; 41.2 percent). Chicago, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.116 vs. 0.086). With 19 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, Greg Monroe led the way for Boston with his zeroth triple-double this year.
Boston could dominate on defense as they go head-to-head against one of the worst offenses in the NBA. The Celtics currently rank second in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.493), while Atlanta is 22nd in effective field goal percentage (0.511).
Atlanta holds records of 23-57 straight up (SU) and 38-40-2 against the spread (ATS). A little over half of the Hawks’ games have finished under the total.
Meanwhile, Boston is 54-25 SU and 47-28-4 ATS. Celtics games have gone over the total 49.4 percent of the time.
The Celtics have emerged victorious in all three games against the Hawks this year, including a 119-110 victory the last time these teams met. Boston covered as a 7-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 229 points, which was 29.5 points above the projected point total of 199.5 points. The Celtics had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (17.9 vs. 10.3) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.567 vs. 0.494). Despite the loss, Taurean Prince had a standout performance with 31 points and eight rebounds.
Atlanta Hawks at Boston Celtics Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Atlanta is 19-19-2 ATS with 24 unders and 16 overs.
Boston is 19-16-4 ATS at home with 21 overs and 18 unders.
Atlanta is 12-4 when they allow less than 100 points, while Boston is 35-5.
The Celtics are 41-11 when they reach 100 points, while the Hawks are 19-30.
Boston ranks fourth in assists allowed per game (21.0) while Atlanta ranks last (25.9).
The Celtics rank seventh in steals allowed per game (7.2) while the Hawks rank 28th (8.7).
Boston ranks sixth in blocks allowed per game (4.4) while Atlanta ranks 26th (5.5).
The Hawks rank fifth in points off turnovers per game (17.6) while the Celtics rank 23rd (15.2).
Boston ranks fourth in fast break points allowed per game (10.3) while Atlanta ranks 22nd (13.0).
The Celtics rank ninth in three pointers allowed per game (27.4) while the Hawks rank 26th (30.7).
Boston ranks fourth in second chance points allowed per game (11.2) while Atlanta ranks 16th (12.7).
The Celtics average 44.3 rebounds per game, which ranks 10th in the league. The Hawks rank 22nd in rebounds allowed per game (44.1).
Atlanta ranks 26th in points in the paint per game (41.1) while Boston ranks 28th (39.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Atlanta is 3-2 ATS with 5 unders.
Boston is 3-1-1 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Hawks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 6.0, up from 5.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 99.6 points per game (4.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 99.8 points per game (0.4 below their season average).
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