Celtics and Hawks Set for Pivotal Eastern Conference Showdown
The Boston Celtics travel to Atlanta to face the Hawks on January 17, 2026. This matchup at State Farm Arena carries significant weight for both teams. With the Celtics holding a 25-15 record and the Hawks at 20-23, every game matters as the season progresses. Boston enters as a 3.5-point favorite, but injuries on both sides could dramatically alter the expected outcome.
Recent Form Shows Similar Trajectories
Both teams arrive with comparable recent performances. The Celtics have posted a 6-4 record over their last ten games. Atlanta has managed a 5-5 record during the same period. This similarity in form suggests a closely contested battle, despite the difference in their overall standings.
Injury Reports Create Major Challenges
Boston Celtics Injury Concerns
The Celtics face significant roster challenges. Star forward Jayson Tatum will miss the game following right Achilles repair surgery. His absence leaves a massive scoring void. Josh Minott is also out with a left ankle sprain. Payton Pritchard is listed as doubtful due to left ankle soreness. These injuries force Boston to rely more heavily on its remaining core rotation players.
Atlanta Hawks Injury List
The Hawks' injury situation is equally concerning. Dyson Daniels is questionable with a right ankle sprain. N'Faly Dante remains out with a right knee ACL tear. Kristaps Porzingis will miss the contest due to left Achilles tendinitis, removing a crucial frontcourt presence. Zaccharie Risacher is sidelined with a left knee bone contusion. Atlanta will likely compensate by using smaller lineups and increasing minutes for their available big men.
Historical Context Favors Boston
Boston has dominated the historical series against Atlanta. The Celtics hold a commanding 245-151 lead across 396 regular-season meetings. This game marks the first encounter between the two teams in the 2025-26 season. It presents Atlanta with an early opportunity to challenge that historical pattern and start the season series on a positive note.
Team Statistics Comparison
A look at the key stats reveals each team's strengths and weaknesses:
- Points Per Game: Celtics 116.7, Hawks 117.9
- Points Allowed: Celtics 110.2, Hawks 118.9
- Field Goal Percentage / Opponent FG%: Celtics .472 / .450, Hawks .478 / .477
- Last 10 Games: Celtics 6-4, Hawks 5-5
- Against The Spread Record: Celtics 22-18, Hawks 21-22
Boston's defensive prowess stands out, allowing significantly fewer points than Atlanta. The Hawks have consistently struggled to contain opponents throughout the current campaign.
Key Players to Watch
Several individuals will heavily influence tonight's contest. With Tatum out, Jaylen Brown assumes an even larger role for Boston. He has been averaging between 26.1 and 29.4 points per game, along with 5.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists.
Derrick White provides steady production for the Celtics, contributing 20.6 points, 5.3 assists, and hitting 3.5 three-pointers per game.
Atlanta will lean on Jalen Johnson, who averages an impressive 21.9 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 8.5 assists. Onyeka Okongwu adds 15.8 points and 8.1 rebounds per contest. If Dyson Daniels can play through his ankle issue, his playmaking and scoring could provide vital organization for the Hawks' offense.
This game promises high stakes and unpredictable drama, with injuries forcing both teams to adapt their strategies on the fly.
