The Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks will square off in Game 6 of their first-round playoff series on Thursday night. The Hawks will look to stave off elimination at home, while the Celtics look to secure a date with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Regardless of who wins, this should be an entertaining contest. Each of the last three games have surpassed the total, and Thursday’s implied number is 231.5. There should be plenty of scoring, which means plenty of props to consider.
Here are some of my favorite Celtics vs Hawks props for Game 6.
Celtics vs Hawks Game 6 Player Prop Odds
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Celtics vs Hawks Game 6 Player Props
Al Horford: Under 17.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-119) • Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1.5 Units
If the Boston Celtics are to close out this series, they will need their star players to shine. That means we should see a lot of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
It also likely means fewer contributions from role players such as Horford.
He has not provided much production in this series as it is, failing to reach this number in any of the five games. To be fair, he has combined for at least 14 points, rebounds, and assists in each game so far, but I still like the Under on this player prop.
Another thing to consider with Horford is his strength and stamina. Game 6 will be the third consecutive game in this series played on a single day’s rest. The teams will also be traveling for a second straight game.
This is bad news for the 36-year-old Horford.
Horford played 16 games on the road this season in which he had a single day of rest in between games. He surpassed this number in just seven of those 16 games.
In those 16 games, he averaged 8.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. In his other 47 games this year, Horford averaged 10.3 points and 6.5 rebounds. He averaged exactly 3.0 assists in both sets of games.
I do not think Al Horford will be involved enough to approach his combined points, rebounds, and assists total on Thursday, making this my NBA pick of the day.
Dejounte Murray: Over 33.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-105) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Murray has been a problem for the Celtics in this series. The 6-foot-5-inch guard is averaging 25.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game against Boston.
Not only has Murray gone over his PRA number in each game of this series, but his worst efforts in each category in any of the four games he has played would put him Over this number.
Murray has registered at least 23 points, six rebounds, and five assists in all four games he has played in this series. He could theoretically have his worst game of the series and still surpass this number.
Having said that, I think it is quite unlikely we see his worst effort of the series in Game 6. The Celtics dared Trae Young to beat them in Game 5. And beat them he did.
I expect Boston to force the issue defensively on Young and get the ball out of his hands. Murray is the only other Hawk who can create for himself and his teammates.
Murray will play all the minutes he can handle and get a ton of usage. Expect him to eclipse his total points, rebounds, and assists player prop in Game 6.
Celtics vs Hawks Game 6 Team Props
Celtics: Over 30.5 Second-Quarter Points (-115) • FanDuel Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Boston’s second-quarter dominance continued in Game 5 despite the final result. The Celtics outscored the Hawks 39-28 in Tuesday’s second stanza.
This has been a consistent theme throughout the team’s respective seasons as well as this series. During the regular season, Boston finished fourth in the NBA in second-quarter scoring, while Atlanta allowed the fourth-most second-quarter points.
Boston has averaged 35.4 points in the second quarter during this series and has scored at least 30 points in each game. Their bench continues to outplay Atlanta’s throughout these five games.
Saddiq Bey now has a -35 plus/minus rating in his 111 minutes on the court against Boston, while Onyeka Okongwu is a -20 in 112 minutes. In contrast, Malcolm Brogdon is a +31 in this series. He is second on the team to Horford in that department.
Expect this trend to continue in Game 6 as Boston utilizes its depth to gain an advantage before halftime.
Celtics: Over 119.5 Points (-104) • FanDuel Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Celtics have scored at least 117 points in four straight games. They would likely have done it in Game 1 had they not taken their foot off the gas pedal in the second half of that game.
Atlanta does not have the defensive prowess to limit Boston’s multitude of offensive weapons. Tatum had one of the worst shooting nights possible, and the Celtics still scored 117 in their last game.
- Read up on our best bets for Game 6 in our Celtics vs Hawks Predictions.
The Hawks were 22nd in the regular season in defensive efficiency, and nothing I have seen throughout this series suggests they have improved in that area. I believe Boston will ultimately win Game 6 on the strength of their offense and eclipse the 120-point mark en route to a matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Celtics vs Hawks Game 5 Props Preview
The prop market continues to be fruitful throughout the Celtics-Hawks series. Tuesday’s Game 5 may be our last chance to cash in on this high-scoring series, so let’s get right to it.
Here are some of my favorite Celtics vs Hawks props for Game 5.
Celtics vs Hawks Game 5 Player Prop Odds
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Celtics vs Hawks Game 5 Player Props
Marcus Smart: Over 21.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-120) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Smart has been printing money for us all week. This same prop was listed in this exact space three games in a row, and he has helped us cash each time.
While advocating for this prop throughout this series, I often point to Smart having cleared this number in games against Trae Young in which he logs at least 30 minutes. On Sunday, Smart didn’t even need that much run to reach his PRA threshold.
Smart played fewer minutes than normal (29) and still cleared this line three minutes into the third quarter. Even if this game is not competitive late, Smart should do enough damage early to get over the hump on his combined points, rebounds, and assists.
As far as Celtics-Hawks Game 5 player props are concerned, this is easily my NBA pick of the day.
Derrick White: Over 14.5 Points (-135) • FanDuel Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
This line is a little juicy, so I don’t mind the next best alternative, which is over 15.5 points at (-104), also on FanDuel.
White is averaging 19.8 points per game in this series. He has scored at least 18 in three of the four games, and his only miss was in Game 3. That was a game in which White ran into early foul trouble.
White never got into an offensive rhythm as a result, and he finished the game with just seven shot attempts. He has averaged 14.3 attempts from the floor in the other three games.
Atlanta has had no answer for White on the defensive end, as he is shooting 58% from the field in this series, including 52% from the three-point line. As long as he continues to be aggressive offensively, he should face little resistance and be able to score at least 15 points.
Celtics vs Hawks Game 5 Team Props
Hawks: Under 27.5 First-Quarter Points (-122) • FanDuel Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
No matter how you slice it, Boston should get out to an early jump on this game. However, most of the early damage should come on the defensive end of the floor.
Atlanta has no interest in grinding out possessions, especially knowing its season is about to end. If Boston can limit Atlanta’s easy looks, the Hawks will become sloppy and disengaged as the game wears on.
Boston has held Atlanta to 25 or fewer points in the first quarter three times in this series. The Celtics, to no one’s surprise, have won all three of those games.
When the Hawks got off early to the tune of 33 first-quarter points in Game 3, they won the game.
The Celtics know their quickest path to an easy Game 5 win is to stop Atlanta’s offense early. Once that happens, they can go in for the kill.
Celtics: Over 31.5 Second-Quarter Points (-106) • FanDuel Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Once Boston lays down the hammer defensively, it will look to put the game out of reach in the second quarter. The mismatches in the teams’ respective second units have been a huge factor in this series, and that should continue in Game 5.
Saddiq Bey has registered a -24 plus/minus rating in his 87 minutes on the court against Boston, and Onyeka Okongwu is a -28 in his 85 minutes on the floor. On the flip side, the newly crowned NBA Sixth Man of the Year, Malcolm Brogdon, is a +29 in this series.
This dichotomy has manifested itself in Boston having big second quarters. It has scored at least 30 points in all four second quarters in this series, averaging 34.5 points in the second quarter.
Expect this trend to continue and for the Celtics to make a big push to put the game away by halftime and rack up as many points as possible before the break.
Celtics vs Hawks Game 4 Props Preview
The Atlanta Hawks host the Boston Celtics in Game 4 of their first-round series on Sunday night. Atlanta won Game 3, but they will have difficulty repeating that performance in this next meeting.
Either way, there are several props in this game that I like. We have a good feel for what both teams want to do and which players should be featured.
With that in mind, here are some of my favorite Celtics vs Hawks props for Game 4.
Celtics vs Hawks Game 4 Player Prop Odds
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Celtics vs Hawks Game 4 Player Props
Marcus Smart: Over 21.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-106) • FanDuel Sportsbook
WAGER: 1.5 Units
I am going to ride this player prop until the wheels fall off.
I picked Marcus Smart to go Over his combined points, rebounds, and assists in each of the last two games, and it hit in both instances. In Game 3, Smart finished with 35 PRA, including 24 points.
At the risk of continuing to repeat myself, Smart has now gone Over this number in nine of 10 games in which he has faced Trae Young and played at least 30 minutes. That includes eight of 10 with 25 or more combined points, rebounds, and assists.
Back Smart to do it again with your NBA bet of the day.
Dejounte Murray: Over 32.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-113) • FanDuel Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The sportsbooks have raised this line more than they did Smart’s, but I still think this is a good play. Dejounte Murray has been Atlanta’s best player through three games.
Boston’s primary defensive goal continues to be limiting Young. This strategy has allowed Murray to shine, posting minimum totals of 24 points, five rebounds, and five assists in the three games so far.
That adds up to 34 PRA by itself, and his line for Game 4 is 32.5. Sign me up.
Even though I expect this game to be played at a slower pace than Game 3, I still like the odds of Murray going over this prop.
Jayson Tatum: Records Double-Double (-130) • FanDuel Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Jayson Tatum has recorded a double-double in all three games of this series. He continues to be aggressive on the boards, which carries greater importance in this matchup.
Atlanta dominated rebounds in Game 3 by a 48 to 29 margin. The Celtics need Tatum to continue to attack the glass, as Al Horford and Robert Williams are the only true bigs in Boston’s current rotation.
Here is a pro tip for you. Sportsbooks will often have different odds for what amounts to the same prop. As of this writing, Tatum’s rebounding prop is 9.5, and the Over is -132. However, he is (-130) to record a double-double.
You are getting a free two pennies on the dollar by betting on the double-double as opposed to the rebounds. Unless, of course, you think Tatum will secure 10 rebounds but somehow fail to score at least 10 points.
To that end, I submit the following: Tatum has had one game over the last two seasons in which he has scored fewer than 10 points. If Tatum grabs 10 rebounds in this game and does not score 10 points, I will eat my hat.
Celtics vs Hawks Game 4 Team Props
Hawks: Under 112.5 Total Points (-104) • FanDuel Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Atlanta certainly had its moment in the sun in Game 3. The Hawks shot 56% from the floor and blew out Boston on the boards. Atlanta also forced Jaylen Brown and Derrick White out of the game for stretches due to foul trouble.
I have a hard time believing Game 4 will play out similarly. Boston is a veteran team that will make the necessary adjustments and look to make this a half-court game on both ends of the floor.
The Celtics attempted 48 threes in Game 3. That is a crazy number, and one that results in lots of long rebounds and fast possessions. Boston attempted 33 threes in each of the first two games of this series.
As long as Boston does not settle for too many long-distance attempts, they will be able to get set defensively and prevent the Hawks from getting out in transition on offense.
I believe Boston will set the tempo early and force Atlanta out of its rhythm.
Hawks: Under 57.5 First Half Points (-115) • FanDuel Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
This team prop for Game 4 is essentially an extension of my previous one. Limiting Atlanta early was key for Boston in the first two games of this series. I expect the Celtics to slow things down early, which is why I lean toward the Under on Atlanta’s first-half point total.
Even in a slowed-down environment, Boston has enough firepower to continue to score on Atlanta’s subpar defense, which is why I am just sticking to Atlanta’s total instead of the combined first-half-point total for both teams.
Celtics vs Hawks Game 3 Props Preview
Game 3 between the Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks is set for Friday night. State Farm Arena will be rocking as the fans try to will the home team back into this series.
There are several props in this game that I will be playing. In some cases, I do not feel Vegas has adjusted enough to what we have witnessed thus far through two games.
Here are some of my favorite Celtics vs Hawks props for Game 3.
Celtics vs Hawks Game 3 Player Prop Odds
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Celtics vs Hawks Game 3 Player Props
Marcus Smart: Over 20.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-128) • FanDuel Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
If you recall, I mentioned this same play for Game 2 and it got us to the pay window. Marcus Smart tallied exactly 25 combined points, rebounds, and assists for the second consecutive game.
Despite that, his PRA line for Game 3 curiously remains at 20.5.
Smart’s performance over the last two games has not been a fluke, especially when Trae Young is on the other side of the floor. He’s now played nine games in which he has logged at least 30 minutes against Young, and he’s gone over 20.5 PRA in eight of nine, including seven games with 25 or more PRA.
Smart is undervalued because he is currently the fourth offensive option for the Celtics. However, he offers production in multiple categories, and I like the chances of him going over his combined points, rebounds, and assists line again in Game 3, making this my NBA bet of the day.
Dejounte Murray: Over 26.5 Points + Assists (-113) • Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
The Celtics have made Young their primary focus on the defensive end. To say this strategy has worked would be a massive understatement.
Atlanta has averaged just 102.5 points per game in this series after leading the Eastern Conference with a 118.4 point per game average during the regular season. I expect the Celtics to continue to limit Young’s opportunities and force others to beat them.
So far, Dejounte Murray has been up to the task.
The former Spur has averaged 26.5 points and six assists in the first two games of this series. The most encouraging sign for me that Murray can have another big night in Game 3 is that his results thus far have been based on volume as opposed to efficiency.
Murray has attempted 49 shots through two games in this series. There was only one other instance this season in which he attempted more field goals in consecutive games.
With the defense focused on Young, Murray must remain aggressive to give Atlanta a shot at winning this game. He is also a willing and skilled passer. He should continue to provide production in both points and assists in Game 3.
Celtics vs Hawks Game 3 Team Props
Celtics: Under 117.5 Points (-118) • FanDuel Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
I took the Over on Boston’s 119.5-point total in Game 2. Of course, they landed on exactly 119 as they sat on the ball for the final two minutes. Good times. But that is not why I am suddenly reversing course and taking the Under here.
In Game 2, Boston shot 55.8% from the field, including 45.5% from three-point range. They had just 10 team turnovers if we exclude those disastrous final two minutes. And yet, they still “only" scored 119 points.
This suggests that if they struggle even just a bit relative to their Game 2 performance, Boston will be hard-pressed to match their scoring output in Game 3.
I like Boston to win the game outright, but I do not believe they will score enough points to go Over this total.
Hawks: Under 28.5 First Quarter Points (-113) • FanDuel Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Here’s another prop I am running back for Game 3. Boston has held Atlanta to 19 and 25 points in the two first quarters of this series so far, respectively. The Celtics will continue to apply pressure early and hope to frustrate the Hawks.
I know the crowd will be behind Atlanta, and the effort will be there. However, that will apply more to the defensive end than the offensive.
Until Atlanta proves that they can navigate Boston’s defense, this is a prop I will continue to keep playing.
Celtics vs Hawks Game 2 Props Preview
Game 2 between the Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks tips off on Tuesday. While the books have installed Boston as a heavy favorite, that does not mean we need to steer clear of this game.
Tonight’s contest should provide plenty of opportunities for bettors in the form of props. Here are some of my favorite Celtics vs Hawks props for Game 2.
Celtics vs Hawks Game 2 Player Prop Odds
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Celtics vs Hawks Game 2 Player Props
Marcus Smart: Over 20.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-125) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Smart plays a key role for Boston on both ends of the floor. He is primarily known for his defense, but he can do a little bit of everything offensively as he proved in Game 1.
Smart finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists in the first game of this series — par for the course when you consider Smart’s play against Atlanta and Trae Young in recent years.
Saturday’s contest was the eighth game in Smart’s career in which he logged at least 30 minutes against Young and the Hawks, and he’s gone over this PRA line in seven of those eight games.
He has had at least 25 PRA in six of those eight contests, including Game 1 of this series, making this my NBA bet of the day.
Al Horford: Over 6.5 Rebounds (+100) • FanDuel Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Unfortunately, Horford’s rebound number has risen from the 5.5 mark we had in Game 1. That will give some bettors pause about playing it. However, I still like him to hit this number on Tuesday.
Horford averaged over nine rebounds per game in last year’s run to the NBA Finals, clearing this number in 17 of 23 playoff games.
Horford will have had two full days of rest heading into Game 2. Similarly, Game 3 of this series will not be played until Friday, meaning there should be no minute restrictions for the 36-year-old in Game 2.
Look for him to approach double figures in rebounds again on Tuesday.
Celtics vs Hawks Game 2 Team Props
Hawks: Under 27.5 First-Quarter Points (-113) • FanDuel Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Boston put the clamps down early in Game 1, holding the Hawks to 19 points. That took the wind out of Atlanta’s sails, and the Celtics cruised to an easy victory. I expect them to follow a similar game plan in Game 2.
If Boston can stymie Atlanta’s offense early, they should be able to avoid an upset. The Celtics do not want to let the Hawks hit shots early and gain confidence as the game progresses.
I expect a strong defensive effort early to ensure that the Hawks do not get any easy shot opportunities.
Celtics: Over 119.5 Points (-120) • FanDuel Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
I am running this prop back for Game 2. It did not hit in Game 1, but I would argue there were extenuating circumstances.
Boston scored 74 first-half points on Saturday, and it looked like this would be easy cash. But a funny thing happened on the way to the window — the Celtics took their foot off the gas pedal.
If you want to avoid a similar fate in Game 2, Boston’s first-half team total is 61.5 points. I am still going to take the full game total because I think this one will be at least a little more competitive.
Having said that, Atlanta has yet to prove they can stop Boston’s offense when they are actively trying to score. The Celtics scored at least 126 points in both games against Atlanta in which their regular players saw heavy minutes.
As long as this game is remotely within reach, the Celtics should continue to score at will. I expect them to score in the mid-to-high 120s in Game 2.
Celtics vs Hawks Game 1 Props Preview
The Boston Celtics host the Atlanta Hawks in Game 1 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs on Saturday. These are the top two scoring teams in the Eastern Conference, so expect plenty of points. Here are some of my favorite Celtics vs Hawks props for Game 1.
Celtics vs Hawks Game 1 Player Prop Odds
In addition to our prop tips below, use our NBA lines to find the full lot of NBA playoffs player props below:
Celtics vs Hawks Game 1 Player Props
Trae Young Over 33.5 Points + Assists (-123) • Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Trae Young is the focal point of the Hawks’ offense. He has surpassed this number in 70 percent of games in which he has played at least 30 minutes this season. I also like this prop because of how Boston will likely attempt to defend Young.
Boston does not like to double-team, especially on the perimeter. Instead, they will likely use Marcus Smart to defend Young one-on-one. Though Smart is certainly a capable defender, Young is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the NBA.
Smart only played in one of the three meetings this season, but it was one of Young’s best games of the year, dropping 35 points and 13 assists on the Celtics in mid-March.
I expect Young to get a ton of usage in this game as Atlanta will look to steal Game 1. This will lead him to go over his points plus assists prop regardless of the outcome of the game, making this my NBA bet of the day.
Jayson Tatum Over 4.5 Assists (-102) • FanDuel Sportsbook
WAGER: 1.5 Units
Jayson Tatum set career-highs this season in points, rebounds, and assists. While I think he tallies plenty of points and rebounds on Saturday, I want to focus on his assists for this player prop.
Not only did Tatum average 4.6 assists per game this season, but he had 14 total assists in the two games he played against Atlanta. The Hawks allowed the seventh-most assists per game following this year’s All-Star break.
Tatum sees extra minutes during the postseason, which has increased his ability to pad his assist totals. He averaged over six assists per game in last year’s playoffs, and he recorded at least five dimes in 17 of Boston’s 24 playoff games.
Considering the increase in minutes and usage — along with Atlanta’s deficiencies on the defensive end — I expect Tatum to register at least five assists on Saturday.
Celtics vs Hawks Game 1 Team Props
Celtics Over 119.5 Points (-110) • Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Atlanta is one of the weakest defensive teams to make this year’s playoffs. Only the Sacramento Kings had a worse defensive rating this season.
If the Hawks were facing a lesser offense, they may be able to overcome that. However, that is not the case with the Celtics.
Boston had the second-highest offensive rating in the NBA this season. Tatum and Jaylen Brown are among the highest-scoring duos in the league. I do not expect the Hawks to be able to contain them on that end of the floor.
The Celtics scored at least 120 points in all three meetings with the Hawks this year. Boston also averaged 120.5 points in home games this season. I expect a similar result on Saturday when these teams square off for Game 1.
Celtics Over 16.5 Three-Pointers Made (-115) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
In addition to their other accolades, Boston also finished second in the NBA in three-pointers made this year. This is a huge part of their offensive attack, and I expect them to exploit this advantage on Saturday.
In both meetings against Atlanta that featured Brown and Tatum, Boston scored at least 126 points and made at least 20 three-pointers.
I believe we will see Boston approach if not exceed both thresholds in this game, making this one of my favorite Celtics vs Hawks Game 1 props.
