NBA Predictions: Will Hawks stay within single digits at Celtics? 4/8/18

Hawks vs. Celtics Pick

Are the Atlanta Hawks going to keep it close tonight when they play at the Boston Celtics? Tip-off is at 1PM ET.

505 Atlanta Hawks at 506 Boston Celtics, 1PM ET

CURRENT ODDS

According to oddsmakers at YouWager, the Celtics are a 9.5-point favorite on the spread line. The total is set at 202 points.

Bet NBA Action For Sunday, April 8, 2018

LINE MOVEMENT

The spread is still at -9.5 where it opened, while the total has dropped a point from 203. The spread is at -9.5 everywhere, while the over-under is at 202 at most sportsbooks but can also be found as low as 201.

PUBLIC BETTING

As of Sunday morning, 55 percent of public bets are coming in on the visiting Hawks. Online wager info also states that 63 percent of bets are being placed on the over.

INJURY TO WATCH

Atlanta point guard Malcolm Delaney (ankle), point guard Dennis Schroder (ankle) and shooting guard Kent Bazemore (knee) are all out for the season. Point guard Jaylen Morris (ankle) is out until mid-April. For the Celtics, three players are out for the season - point guard Kyrie Irving (knee), power forward Daniel Theis (knee) and small forward Gordon Hayward (ankle). Point guard Marcus Smart (thumb) is out until mid-May.

BETTING STRATEGY

Boston has not played great lately with all the injuries, obviously not bigger than losing Irving for the season. The Celtics did snap a two-game losing skid with a 111-104 home victory over the Bulls, but beating Chicago by seven at home isn't exactly much to brag about. Atlanta is counting down the days of a rebuild and tank season, but it has actually played well in three of the last four games with a pair of victories including a 103-97 win at the Wizards last game. Boston will probably win this game straight up, but I think it will stay close throughout and allow the Hawks to cover.

NBA DAILY PREDICTION: ATLANTA HAWKS +9.5

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