Atlanta Hawks vs Boston Celtics – Free NBA prediction and picks – January 17, 2026

Atlanta Hawks – Boston Celtics: Eastern Conference clash

The Hawks and the Celtics meet for the first time this season — the first of four showdowns over three months. Boston’s riding a strong season near the top of the East. The Hawks are stuck in the Play‑In mix again. Don’t expect the gap on paper to tell the whole story; this could be a proper game.

Atlanta Hawks: put together a complete game

Atlanta arrive on the back of two straight defeats. Before the offensive blackout against the Blazers (101-117), they were torn apart by the Lakers (116-141). Those results sum up their 2025-26 issues: defense is a mess (25th in the league, 118.9 points allowed) and the offense is too patchy to challenge at the top of the East. New arrivals C.J. McCollum and Corey Kispert have been useful scorers in the Hawks’ jersey, at least.

On the injury front, Zaccharie Risacher and Kristaps Porzingis remain questionable after missing several games. Against the Celtics, Atlanta must be efficient offensively — Joe Mazzula’s team doesn’t cough up many turnovers, so extra possessions will be scarce. Jalen Johnson gets a favorable matchup: Boston’s frontcourt isn’t the deepest. Still, watch Jaylen Brown — Georgia native — he’ll be fired up to put on a show back home.

Boston Celtics: own the favourite tag, even on the road

The Celtics have eased off a bit recently, just two wins from their last four. That hasn’t stopped them keeping second place in the East behind the Pistons. Losses to the Pacers (96-98) and the Spurs (95-100) exposed offensive hiccups — fixed quickly when Jaylen Brown returned in the win over the Heat (119-114).

Boston can lean on elite defence: 110.2 points allowed per game, the second-best mark in the league. Against a team that leans so heavily on scoring like the Hawks, the Celtics could make life very simple by putting in a lockdown defensive shift. They also travel well — a solid 13-8 record on the road so far this season.

NBA prediction Atlanta Hawks vs Boston Celtics

Celtics to win

Atlanta aren’t in the form of the season and Boston arrive with a full squad. Even away, the Celtics have a clear edge on the Hawks, who swing between offensive masterclasses and total collapses on both ends. Since the season started, Boston have shown proper consistency — and that alone should be enough to take this in Atlanta.

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