Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks
Playoffs Prediction & Odds
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The Boston Celtics (39-27 SU, 34-30-2 ATS, 28-35-3 O/U) and Atlanta Hawks (40-26 SU, 36-28-2 ATS, 33-32-1 O/U) will likely stage the best first round playoff series in the Eastern Conference and here’s why.

Boston won the regular season series over Atlanta 2-1 despite losing the last matchup just over a week ago. Both teams enter the postseason riding hot streaks with Boston having won three of its L/4 games and seven of its L/10 games overall. Atlanta won five of its final six games and like Boston, seven of its final 10 regular season games overall.

The Celtics compiled an impressive 18-14-1 ATS mark at home this season while going 16-16-1 ATS on the road. The veteran-laden C’s averaged just 91.8 points per game (26th) while finishing 30th in rebounding (38.8 rpg).

Defensively, the Celtics finished second in the league in points allowed (89.3) while also finishing first in field goal (41.9) and three-point percentage (30.8). Five players averaged double figures in scoring for Boston, with veteran Paul Pierce (19.4 ppg) leading the way.

The Atlanta Hawks went 17-16 ATS at home this season and a very impressive 19-12-2 ATS on the road this season while averaging 96.6 points per game (17th) and limiting their opponents to just 93.2 points per contest defensively.

The Hawks had five players average double figures in scoring this season and got 18.8 points per game from both, Joe Johnson and Josh Smith.

Here is a look at the key ATS and O/U trends for both ballclubs this season.

Boston
Celtics are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 games as an underdog of 4.5 points or less.
Celtics are 4-1-2 ATS in their last 7 games as an underdog.
Celtics are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 vs. NBA Southeast.
Celtics are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 road games.
Celtics are 15-5-2 ATS in their last 22 games overall.
Celtics are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 playoff games as an underdog.
Over is 5-0 in Celtics last 5 playoff games as an underdog.
Over is 5-1 in Celtics last 6 games as a road underdog.
Over is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Under is 4-1 in Celtics last 5 games following a ATS win.

Atlanta
Hawks are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 Sunday games.
Hawks are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.
Hawks are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 playoff games as a favorite.
Hawks are 10-4-1 ATS in their last 15 games as a favorite.
Hawks are 10-4 ATS in their last 14 games overall.
Over is 4-0 in Hawks last 4 vs. NBA Atlantic.
Over is 5-0 in Hawks last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 11-1 in Hawks last 12 games as a home favorite.
Over is 10-1 in Hawks last 11 home games.

Key head-to-head trends
Underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last 4 meetings.