Playoffs 2023: Exciting Matchup as Celtics Take on Hawks in Round One

Photo: CelticsBlog

In a clash of two Eastern Conference rivals, the Atlanta Hawks will take on the Boston Celtics in what promises to be an exciting matchup. The Hawks are averaging an impressive 118.4 points per game on 48.3 percent shooting, while giving up 118.1 points per game on 48.6 percent shooting.

Trae Young has been leading the way for the Hawks, averaging 26.2 points and 3 rebounds, with support from De'Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanovic. The Hawks have been shooting 35.2 percent from beyond the arc and 81.8 percent from the free-throw line.

On the other hand, the Boston Celtics have been averaging 117.9 points per game on 47.5 percent shooting, while giving up 111.4 points per game on 46.3 percent shooting. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have been putting up impressive numbers for the Celtics, averaging over 26 points per game each, with support from Malcolm Brogdon and Derrick White.

The Celtics have been shooting 37.7 percent from beyond the arc and 81.2 percent from the free-throw line.

Although the Celtics are favored to win, the Hawks have the potential to cause an upset. The Hawks have struggled in recent games, with a 2-6 ATS record in their last 8 games overall. Meanwhile, the Celtics have been strong at home, with a 6-1 ATS record in their last 7 home games.

The Hawks have been playing well on the road, losing as underdogs by an average of just 1.4 points. With that in mind, the Hawks could surprise the Celtics and pull off an upset in game 1 on Saturday.