Gameday Preview: Celtics Face Hawks Again, Looking for a Split
Creator: Bob DeChiara, Bob DeChiara | Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports | Copyright: Bob DeChiara
The Boston Celtics will tip-off against the Atlanta Hawks for the second time in three days looking to take the second game of this unusual series.
The C’s are coming off of a tough 114-122 loss on Wednesday at TD Garden where Atlanta guard Trae Young dropped 40 points. The Hawks seemed one step ahead of the Celtics throughout the game, so the gang in green and white will try to flip the script to get back above .500 tonight.
Atlanta got 24 points and 13 rebounds from Clint Capela, 20 points from John Collins (reportedly on the Celtics trade radar), and 13 points from Cam Reddish as the Hawks shot 57.1% from the floor. This snapped a four-game losing streak for them. They will be trying to get out of Boston with a sweep of this two-game series with the Celtics.
Brad Stevens’ crew was lead by Jayson Tatum (35 points, 6 boards, 6 assists) and Jaylen Brown (22 points and a team-high 7 assists). Tristan Thompson had 14 points and 7 rebounds and rookie guard Payton Pritchard scored 11 points as Boston played without Kemba Walker (rest), Marcus Smart (calf), and Daniel Theis (finger). This will be their chance to get revenge against the Hawks, as Walker and Theis will be back in action.
The Hawks will be without former Celtic Rajon Rondo (back), Kris Dunn (right ankle), Bogdan Bogdanovic (knee), and De’Andre Hunter (right knee). Meanwhile, Boston is without Smart and Langford (wrist) still, while Brown is listed as questionable.
Make sure to tune in to our live pregame show, the Banner Town Build Up, 30 minutes before the game on YouTube and Twitter @GuyBostonSports. The Celtics tip-off against the Hawks tonight at 7:30 PM EST.
