If Game 1 was any indication, the second game of the first-round series between the Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks should be another wild one. Only one point separated both clubs in the opener, and it was the Hawks who ended up delivering the first blow. Can they now extend their series lead to 2-0, or will the C’s find a way to tie things up?
Read on below for a closer look at this showdown. And while you’re at it, head on over to our Game 2 preview for another first-round clash between the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors.
Boston Celtics vs. Atlanta Hawks Betting Preview
Where: Philips Arena, Atlanta
When: Tuesday, April 19, 2016, 7:00 PM ET
Line: Boston Celtics (+6) at Atlanta Hawks (-6); total: 205.5 – view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast:TNT
Betting on the Boston Celtics
Despite losing the opener to the Hawks, you have to give a lot of credit to the valiant effort from the Boston Celtics. They clawed their way back from a 17-point deficit at halftime, and even led in the final period before eventually losing, 102-101.
Isaiah Thomas, the team’s lone All-Star, did the best he could to keep the Celtics in striking distance with a game-high of 27 points and a team-high of eight assists. But that performance was ultimately laid to waste, as their defense allowed Atlanta to own the interior with a 52-36 advantage in points in the paint.
To add insult to injury, the C’s will also likely be playing without one their key players in Avery Bradley due to a strained right hamstring that he suffered in Game 1. That said, look to the duo of Evan Turner and Marcus Smart to play more minutes from now on. Both were solid in the opener, combining for 25 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists.
Meanwhile, Boston’s front court – which is composed of Jae Crowder, Jared Sullinger and Amir Johnson – needs to show up and prevent Paul Millsap and Al Horford from eating them alive in Game 2. The three centers only racked up 27 points (11-of-33 shooting) and 24 rebounds combined in Game 1.
Lastly, bench production is going to be huge here, and Boston needs all the points it can get from its second unit. Yes, Turner and Smart have been consistently contributing, but Jonas Jerebko and Kelly Olynyk ought to start making some noise, especially with Bradley sidelined.
The Celtics are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road games.
What makes Atlanta such a tough team to beat is the fact that you never know who could get it going. Yes, the Hawks don’t have a legitimate scorer or closer, but they have a lot of capable weapons that can pound the ball down low or torch opponents from the outside.
This was what exactly happened to the Celtics in Game 1. Atlanta’s trio of Al Horford, Paul Millsap and Kent Bazemore were all able to score double-figures in that game, combining for a total of 61 points, 27 rebounds and seven blocks. All three also managed to knock down one three-pointer each.
Jeff Teague, meanwhile, was the star of the show. He made sure to prevent his team from losing its composure and offensive flow, especially during Boston’s furious rally. Teague finished with 23 points along with a game-high 12 dimes to lead the way for the Hawks.
It’s worth noting, though, that Atlanta’s offense didn’t receive much production from its three-point sniper in Kyle Korver, who tallied just two points and went 0-for-7 from beyond the arc in the series opener. His efficiency from the outside, in particular, significantly changes the game for the Hawks.
In any case, for as long as the Hawks continue to rely on their balanced attack and play solid defense, they should be heading to the TD Garden for Game 3 and 4 with a commanding 2-0 lead in this series.
Atlanta is 6-4 ATS in its last 10 home games.
Writer’s Prediction
Without Avery Bradley, it’s hard to see Boston win this one on the road. Hence, Atlanta (-6) wins Game 2, 90-82.
