Hawks vs. Celtics Prediction
Will the Boston Celtics cover another big spread at home when they play host to the Atlanta Hawks tonight at 7PM ET?
567 Atlanta Hawks at 568 Boston Celtics
Friday, December 14, 2018
7PM ET – TD Garden
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Celtics are heavily favored at home, as they are getting odds of -12.5 points against the Hawks. The over/under total is listed at 223.5 points. The public betting currently has 69 percent going on the Celtics as the home favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NBA Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Hawks covering as of late
There hasn’t been much to celebrate for the Hawks this season and they have lost five of their last six games. However, Atlanta has managed to cover in two straight. The Hawks are 6-21 on the season, 2-12 on the road, 11-16 against the spread and 15-12 with the over.
The Hawks are averaging just 107.9 points per game on offense while shooting only 31.7 percent from the arc and 44.2 percent from the field. Defensively, Atlanta is giving up 118 points per game while opponents shoot 47 percent from the floor and 37.5 percent from the arc. Atlanta has been riddled with injuries, as Jeremy Lin, Miles Plumlee, Taurean Prince and Omari Spellman are all out for tonight’s game. John Collins is currently leading the team with 18.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per game while rookie Trae Young is adding 15.7 points and 7.3 assists per contest.
Celtics rolling
Boston has won seven straight games coming into tonight, including a 130-125 OT win at Washington on Wednesday. The Celtics have covered the spread in all seven games. Boston now stands 17-10 on the season, 8-3 at home, 14-13 against the spread and 15-12 with the over.
The Celtics are strong on defense, allowing just 103.6 points per game while holding opponents to 43.9 percent shooting. Offensively, Boston puts up 111.1 points per game while shooting just 45.4 percent from the field. Al Horford continues to be out with a knee injury while Jaylen Brown is questionable to play due to an illness. Kyrie Irving is leading the team with 22.5 points, 6.4 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game. Jayson Tatum is adding 16.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per contest.
NBA Betting Trends
Atlanta
The Hawks are just 2-14 against the spread in their last 16 Friday games and 2-6 ATS in their last eight games following a loss.
Boston
The Celtics have covered the spread in 22 of their last 28 home games and in five straight when playing on 1 day of rest.
Prediction:
The Celtics are on a roll and don’t seem to be slowing down. While it’s hard to maintain a high level of play in the NBA, tonight shouldn’t be the night it stops for Boston. The Hawks are really beat up tonight and don’t have the scoring to contend with Boston’s defense. The Celtics should keep Atlanta in check and pull away in the second half for a big victory.
NBA Prediction: Boston Celtics -12.5