The red-hot Boston Celtics will look to continue their winning streak on Wednesday night when they start their road trip in Atlanta for an Eastern Conference matchup with the Hawks.
The Celtics have won seven consecutive games and find themselves at 11-3 on the season for the best record in the NBA. Meanwhile, the Hawks have been hot and cold, but are sitting at 9-5 after upsetting the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night. Will the Celtics keep their momentum rolling into Atlanta?
Read our NBA picks and predictions for Celtics vs. Hawks on November 16 below to find out.
Celtics vs Hawks best odds
Celtics vs Hawks picks and predictions
The Celtics were known for their defense for much of their recent success, but it is the offense that has been their key to winning to open this season. They rank first in the NBA in scoring at 120 points per game. They also make more 3-pointers per game than any other team in the league at 15.6.
They also rank 24th in field goal attempts allowed per game, so they are certainly allowing opponents to take aim with regularity. The Hawks rank seventh in the NBA in pace and second in the league in field goal attempts per game. This has all the makings of a fast-paced game with a lot of shots going up quickly.
When there are more shots, there are more rebounding opportunities, regardless of how good the shooting is. The Celtics go more the way of team rebounding, unlike the Hawks, who rely heavily on Clint Capela to hit the boards. Capela averages 11.9 rebounds per game and no one on the Celtics averages more than eight.
The Celtics are a terrific offense, but not because they get a lot of second-chance points. They rank 26th in the NBA with only 8.2 offensive rebounds per game. They allow 45.1 rebounds per game to opponents (22nd). The Hawks are the fifth-best rebounding team in the league, averaging 46.0 boards per game.
Capela has been a terror on the boards in November. He has three games with at least 19 rebounds and is averaging 15 rebounds across seven November contests. This game is going to set up perfectly for another big night on the boards for Capela.
It is quite surprising, given the matchup, that Capela’s rebounding total is set at only 11.5. He has gone Over this total in five of his last six games and this quick-paced game with little competition down low should provide Capela with another monster stat game on the boards.
My best bet: Clint Capela Over 11.5 rebounds (+102)
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Celtics vs Hawks spread analysis
One of the best 3-point shooting teams in the league is going up against one of the top teams at defending the arc. The Hawks only allow opponents to shoot 32% from downtown this season and the Celtics hit 38.2% from 3-point range. Something has got to give.
That something may be the Celtics' game plan. Even though the C’s rank next to last in the league in 2-point field-goal attempts per game, they rank second in 2-point percentage at 57.3%. The Celtics will focus on getting to the basket in this game against a Hawks defense that allows the fifth most 2-point attempts per game.
The Celtics failed to cover their last game and are 12-5 against the spread in their last 17 games after such a loss. They are also 19-8-1 ATS in their last 28 road games. Meanwhile, the Hawks are 9-20 ATS in their last 29 games following a straight-up win and 2-8 ATS in their last 10 following an ATS win.
Jayson Tatum is going to be able to get his shots off, especially if he attacks the basket. Likewise, Jaylen Brown will continue to get his points and there will likely be another 70+ point performance between the two. I like the Celtics to get another road win and cover tonight.
Celtics vs Hawks Over/Under analysis
This total is a massive number at 233 points. The Celtics have yet to have a game total set this high, but given that nine of their 14 games have gone Over the total, Vegas is adjusting. The Hawks have had four games with a total this high and the Over is 2-2.
Even though this total is set very high, the pace and lack of turnovers will lead to plenty of scoring chances for both teams. The Over is 3-0-1 in the Celtics' last four games following a SU win and 4-1 in their last five games following an ATS loss.
The Over is 6-1 in the last seven Hawks games following a SU win and 9-3 in their last 12 games overall. The Celtics may not make it rain from deep, but the fast pace will get them plenty of good looks closer to the basket. The Hawks will also get their chances and will also be able to get second-chance points around the rim. Give me the Over here.
Celtics vs Hawks betting trend to know
The Over is 5-1 in Hawks last six games following an ATS win. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Hawks.
Celtics vs Hawks game info
| Location: | State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA |
| Date: | Sunday, November 16, 2022 |
| Tip-off: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN |
