The Celtics have an opportunity to retaliate against the Hawks as they are scheduled to face each other for the second time in four days on Thursday.
In their previous encounter on Monday, Boston suffered a defeat to Atlanta with a score of 120-118, relinquishing a commanding 30-point lead during the game.
Despite the Celtics enjoying a two-day break, the Hawks engaged in a match against the Trail Blazers on Wednesday, emerging victorious with a score of 120-106.
During Monday’s game, Boston was missing guards Derrick White and Jrue Holiday. However, White is anticipated to make a comeback to the lineup. Meanwhile, Holiday, who has been absent for five games due to an AC joint injury, participated in full practice on Wednesday, as reported by Gary Washburn of the Globe.
According to Washburn, there is a possibility that Holiday might make his return on Thursday. If he does, it would mark the first instance since March 7 that the Celtics commence a game with their projected starting lineup for the playoffs, consisting of White, Holiday, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis.
Jaden Springer, who played a significant role in the fourth quarter of Monday’s game, along with Al Horford and Xavier Tillman, are all uncertain to participate in the upcoming match.
Below is a preview of the upcoming game:
When: Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: State Farm Arena, Atlanta
TV, radio: NBCSB, WBZ-FM 98.5
Line: Boston -16. O/U: 227.5.
CELTICS
Season record: 57-15. vs. spread: 39-31, 2 pushes. Over/under: 36-36
Last 10 games: 9-1. vs. spread: 8-2. Over/under: 6-4
HAWKS
Season record: 32-39. vs. spread: 25-46. Over/under: 38-32, 1 push
Last 10 games: 5-5. vs. spread: 5-5. Over/under: 5-5
TEAM STATISTICS
Points per game: Boston 121.1, Atlanta 119.2
Points allowed per game: Boston 109.6, Atlanta 120.7
Field goal percentage: Boston .486, Atlanta .465
Opponent field goal percentage: Boston .454, Atlanta .494
3-point percentage: Boston .390, Atlanta .365
Opponent 3-point percentage: Boston .350, Atlanta .383
Stat of the day: The Celtics rank last in the league in blown leads, surrendering only 13.
Notes: The Hawks made history with their 30-point comeback on Monday, marking the largest comeback in the NBA this season. … Boston leads the season series 2-1, winning the initial two games in Boston with scores of 113-103 on Nov. 26 and 125-117 on Feb. 7. … Atlanta (33-39) has secured three consecutive victories, including a 120-106 triumph over Portland, maintaining the 10th spot in the Eastern Conference standings. … Dejounte Murray continues to lead the Hawks offensively, scoring 30 points against the Blazers and achieving 28 or more points in three of the last four games. … Despite missing key players, Atlanta receives contributions from various bench players each game. Vit Krejci equaled his career-high with 16 points against Boston. … Boston (57-15) has clinched the top seed in the Eastern Conference, possesses the best away record in the league (25-12), boasts the highest offensive rating in the NBA (122.5), and ranks second in defensive rating (110.7). … In the previous season, the Celtics were among the top three teams in NBA history to excel in both offensive and defensive ratings. … The Hawks provided an update on Trae Young’s recovery from surgery on his left hand, indicating positive progress without specifying a return timeline. Young has been sidelined for 16 games since sustaining an injury on Feb. 23. … Atlanta’s lineup remains without Jalen Johnson (right ankle sprain), Saddiq Bey (torn left ACL), and key reserve Onyeka Okongwu (sprained left toe).