The Boston-Atlanta first-round series has been one of the most exciting matchups in the NBA postseason so far, but the Celtics’ playoff dreams are on the line ahead of Thursday night’s Game 6 in Beantown. Home court has been massive in this series, as no road team has won yet through five games.
Just how long has it been since Atlanta ousted Boston in the playoffs? It hasn’t happened in 58 years. A date with the Cleveland Cavaliers awaits the victor.
The Hawks halted a brief two-game run by the C’s in Game 5 by walloping them 110-83 in Georgia to go up 3-2. The Hawks scored 19 points in the first 18 minutes but lit up the Celtics for 70 in the next 18 minutes en route to the triumph.
The UNDER, which opened at 197, has gone 4-1 in the series so far. The UNDER is 5-2 in Atlanta’s last seven with a closing total of 197 or less.
Celtics bettors would be wise to keep an eye on Isaiah Thomas. Thomas re-aggravated a sprained left ankle in Tuesday’s fourth quarter, but insists he’ll play “no matter what.” He will likely be far from 100 percent, however, we’ve seen him overcome adversity and step up to the plate in a big way before.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The visiting Atlanta Hawks betting line opened this morning as -5.5-point favorites in this one at most sportsbooks tracked at Odds Shark (including Sportsbook), while the total was hovering around 204 at Sportsbook and other betting odds shops.
Odds Shark computer prediction handicapping models run on this game pick a 110-97 victory for the Hawks. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NBA matchups here.
Atlanta Hawks vs Boston Celtics Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Atlanta Hawks will try to spoil the party on Thursday; they are 43-42-2 ATS against the betting spread this NBA season, while the Boston Celtics are 44-41-2 ATS. Atlanta is 38-47-2 vs the betting total points scored; Boston is 40-46-1. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Boston vs Atlanta injuries news.
The Celtics - Hawks betting odds would favor the Hawks if the lines were set according to power rankings. Boston is rated No. 16 in our latest Odds Shark poll, while the Atlanta Hawks sit at No. 7.
Statistical Matchup
When it comes to rebounds, the visiting Atlanta Hawks rank No. 23 in the league with 42.45 per game. That compares with Boston's No. 6 ranking in that category. The story is different when it comes to three-point shooting where Boston is the NBA's No. 12-ranked team at 8.76 per game, while the Atlanta Hawks rate No. 6 with 9.95 per contest.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Next Betting Matchups
Atlanta home to Boston, Saturday, April 30th