Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics preview

OK, OK, so the Atlanta Hawks have actually lost this season, but it sure seems like those losses have been few and far in between. Tonight–after dismantling the Philadelphia 76ers without three starters yesterday–Mike Budenholzer’s team will take on the Boston Celtics.

The Celtics will offer a greater challenge than the 76ers, but are still just 13-23 on the season and are trying to figure things out without Rajon Rondo.

In their last game, a 108-100 win against the New Orleans Pelicans, Jared Sullinger carried the team with 27 points while rookie Marcus Smart hit a clutch 3 to help seal the deal.

The Celtics have relied on more youth than most NBA teams this season, with four of their top-five scorers being no more than 24 years old. Jeff Green, a ripe 28-years, leads that a top-5 of Sullinger (22), Avery Bradley (24), Kelly Olynyk (23) and Tyler Zeller (24).

Despite their record, Boston is 8th in the league in points per game (102.6) and the No. 3 team in assists per game (25.3). Still, their defensive effort leaves a lot to be desired, and that’s where teams take advantage. The Celtics allow 103.8 points per game and are the league’s 27th-best defense in that category.

Conversely, the Hawks are the No. 7 scoring team and the No. 4 defensive team in the league in points per game and points allowed per game. Al Horford is coming off one of the best games of his career, while Paul Millsap, DeMarre Carroll and Jeff Teague didn’t play yesterday.

Things continue to look great for Atlanta.

Be sure to check back after the game for a full recap and follow us on Twitter (@ATLBeatBlog) for analysis, comments and play-by-play throughout the game.

Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics preview: Will they ever lose?

By Carlos Collazo | Jan 14, 2015