Boston Celtics vs Atlanta Hawks Betting Pick & Prediction for 1/17

The Boston Celtics are set to play the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. The Celtics hold a 25-15 record this season, and they recently won against the Miami Heat with a score of 119-114. Under the guidance of Head Coach Joe Mazzulla, the Celtics are ranked second in the Eastern Conference. The Atlanta Hawks have a record of 20-23 and are looking to bounce back after a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. The Hawks are ninth in the Eastern Conference and will rely on Head Coach Quin Snyder’s strategies. The game will air on NBCS at 7:30 PM on January 17, 2026.

Celtics vs Hawks Game Day Info

  • Sport: NBA
  • Teams: Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks
  • Venue: State Farm Arena
  • Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
  • Betting Odds: Celtics -3.5 (-110), Hawks +3.5 (-110), Celtics MoneyLine -160, Hawks MoneyLine +135, Over/Under 229.5

Boston Celtics Team Preview

The Boston Celtics are set to play the Atlanta Hawks, coming off a close win against the Miami Heat. In that game, Anfernee Simons led with 39 points, while Jaylen Brown added 27. The Celtics shot 45.1% from the field, which helped them secure a 119-114 victory.

The Celtics have been solid on defense, allowing only 110.2 points per game, which ranks them second in the league. They are also efficient offensively, with a field goal percentage of 47.2. However, their free throw performance is last in the league, both in attempts and makes per game.

In terms of players, Jaylen Brown is the standout, averaging 29.4 points per game. Derrick White and Payton Pritchard provide additional support with their scoring and playmaking. The team will miss Jayson Tatum due to his Achilles injury, and Payton Pritchard is doubtful with an ankle issue.

Atlanta Hawks Team Preview

The Atlanta Hawks are looking to bounce back from recent losses. They dropped their last two games against the Trail Blazers and Lakers. In both games, the Hawks struggled defensively, allowing 117 and 141 points, respectively.

On offense, the Hawks average 117.9 points per game, ranking 8th in the league. They lead the league in assists, with 31.0 per game. However, they need to improve their free throw shooting, as they rank 24th in free throw percentage.

Jalen Johnson has been a standout for the Hawks, averaging 23.1 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game. However, injuries have affected the team. Kristaps Porzingis and Zaccharie Risacher are out, while Dyson Daniels is questionable for the next game.

BTB Betting Pick

For the spread pick, the Boston Celtics are favored by 3.5 points. The Celtics have a strong defense, allowing only 110.2 points per game, which ranks 2nd in the league. Given the Celtics’ ability to limit opponents’ scoring, they are likely to cover the -3.5 spread against the Hawks.

Looking at the over/under, the line is set at 229.5 points. The Celtics allow just 110.2 points per game, while the Hawks score 117.9 points per game. With the Celtics’ defensive strength, the total score is projected to be under 229.5 points.