The Celtics know they'll be competing with an automatic berth (all but guaranteed), while the Hawks have improved significantly over the last month or so to give them a very good chance of an automatic spot.
Still, both will want the best seed they can get, which makes this upcoming game on Friday, March 27 at 10:30 AEDT all the more intriguing…
Quick Picks
Our pick: Celtics to win
Value bet: Hawks in the handicap
Long shot: Tatum to have 20+ points
Betting Preview
It's worth noting that the reverse fixture of this game will be played a couple of days later, so this one could be an indicator of what to expect when they head to Atlanta.
Nonetheless, looking ahead to the upcoming clash on Friday at the TD Garden, Boston will feel confident they can get a win in front of their home fans. Their record before Wednesday's game against OKC at home stood at 24-11. One thing that hadn't changed was their Eastern Conference record against fellow teams, which stands at 29-14.
Still, Boston have been inconsistent over their last 10, going 6-4 before the Thunder game. Atlanta have been on a rampage recently, boasting a record of 9-1, prior to their trip to Conference leaders, the Detroit Pistons, on Thursday.
The Hawks were 19-16 on the road before that game, and 22-21 against teams in the East. Their recent turnaround has been nothing short of exceptional and has propelled them into contention for a place in the postseason, when it didn't initially look possible.
Betting Markets to Watch
Atlanta have a good recent record when it comes to playing at the TD Garden. They've won their last three visits, including one that required overtime in the NBA. Results include 117-106 (Jan 2026), 119-115 (Jan 2025, OT), and 117-116 (Nov 2024).
On the flip side, the Celtics won the game played in Atlanta earlier in January, winning 132-106. Of the last 25 meetings, the Celtics have largely dominated, winning 16. Still, the Hawks have been playing to a new level over the last month or so, with Quin Snyder getting the best out of his players.
We think there'll be value in the handicap for Atlanta based on these factors. We would expect Boston to be the favourites, despite the poor home H2H they have, as they've been strong over the regular season at the TD Garden. For more insights, check out our NBA betting guide.
Player props have value, with Jayson Tatum still stepping up. He's been consistent since returning from injury, which is why we think 20+ points offers value. Yet at his best, he has shown he can register this number more often than not since returning.
Our Prediction
Check the latest NBA betting odds at Sportsbet.
The Boston Celtics are the most likely to win this match. However, we think Atlanta will keep things tight, which is why we believe there's value in the Hawks to cover the handicap point spread. With both teams eyeing NBA playoff odds, expect a competitive contest.
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