Predicted line-up Game Preview, Injury Report: Boston Celtics vs Atlanta Hawks

Tonight, the Atlanta Hawks will resume play against the Celtics; however, the timing of this matchup could have been more advantageous.

The Hawks were comprehensively defeated by Boston in a 123-93 score during their most recent meeting. Even at that time, Atlanta was understaffed as a result of the absence of Bogdan Bogdanovic (right hamstring tendinopathy), Kobe Bufkin (right shoulder subluxation), De’Andre Hunter (right knee injury management), Cody Zeller (not with the team), and Vit Krejci (adductor). Trae Young was fortunate to remain in the lineup. The attention he demands as a scorer and facilitator makes things flow much more smoothly on offense, despite the fact that he only accrued two points and six assists across 23 minutes of action.

Atlanta will face an even greater challenge tonight without him. The prominent point guard will be unable to participate in the Hawks’ game as a result of right Achilles tendinitis. Additionally, Bogdanovic, Hunter, Bufkin, Krejci, and Zeller have been excluded. Consequently, Jalen Johnson will be the primary focus of the Celtics. Johnson’s debut against the Celtics this season was satisfactory, as he recorded 20 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists. Nevertheless, the situation becomes considerably more challenging without Young’s distraction.

It is also true that Boston is entering this contest with substantial injuries of their own. Al Horford and Jayson Tatum are both questionable and could be excluded if Boston elects to exercise caution. Jaden Springer’s status for the Celtics is also uncertain. In terms of verified absences, Kristaps Porzingis is still in his long-term rehabilitation. Atlanta would face a challenging game to win, even in the absence of Tatum and Horford, due to the depth of Boston’s roster.

Preview of the Game

The Hawks are currently ranked 9th in the NBA in PPG, 16th in FG%, 17th in 3PA, 17th in 3P%, 5th in FTA, 21st in rebounding, and 20th in turnovers, as of the upcoming game. Atlanta is ranked 14th in points per 100 possessions, 14th in effective field goal percentage, 19th in turnover percentage, 19th in offensive rebounding percentage, and 6th in free throw rate, according to Cleaning the Glass.

Atlanta ranks 28th in points per game allowed, 21st in field goal percentage allowed, 30th in three-point field goals allowed, and 30th in three-point percentage allowed. According to Cleaning the Glass, the Hawks are ranked 27th in terms of effective field goal percentage allowed and points allowed per 100 possessions.

Despite the fact that their games have been decided by a much narrower margin in recent times, the Celtics have the second-best record in the NBA for a reason. They are ranked fifth in terms of points per game, sixth in terms of field goal percentage, first in terms of three-point attempts, eleventh in terms of three-point percentage, thirteenth in terms of free throw attempts, twenty-first in terms of rebounds, and twenty-first in terms of turnovers. The Celtics are the top team in terms of points per 100 possessions, fourth in effective field goal percentage, first in turnover percentage, 19th in offensive rebounding percentage, and ninth in free throw rate, according to Cleaning the Glass.

Defensively, Boston ranks eighth in points per game allowed, 12th in field goal percentage allowed, 13th in three-point attempts allowed, and 7th in three-point percentage allowed. The Celtics are ranked ninth in terms of points allowed per 100 possessions and tenth in terms of effective field goal percentage allowed, according to Cleaning the Glass.

Keaton Wallace is now a leading contender to assume the starting position at point guard for the Hawks, as Atlanta is currently without both Young and reserve point guard Kobe Bufkin. Atlanta cannot anticipate much from him in terms of scoring, as he will be pitted against the duo of Jrue Holiday and Derrick White. Wallace’s ability to make sound judgments as a passer and identify Johnson/Risacher when they are unblocked will be crucial in enabling them to make the three-pointers that are essential for the Hawks to remain in the game.

In terms of Risacher, this is undoubtedly the most significant role he has played thus far in his brief NBA tenure. He will be expected to contribute as a secondary offensive creator and must be aggressive when attacking the rim. Risacher should have an easier time reaching the rim and making an impact inside if the Celtics elect to suspend Horford. He is currently shooting 54.5% from the rim, which indicates that there is potential for improvement in this area. In order to prevent the Hawks from reducing their margin for error, Risacher must make quick judgments and limit turnovers tonight. The youthful wing will find it to be a worthwhile challenge.

The Hawks’ center play against Boston is one potential bright point. In the most recent encounter between these two teams, Onyeka Okongwu was exceptional, recording 18 points and securing 10 rebounds. As a scorer, he has been more impressive this season. This season, he is converting on 74.4% of his shots at the rim, an increase from 74% last season, and is shooting a career-best 84% from the charity line on a career-high number of attempts per night (5.7). He is also committing infractions at a higher rate when he is on offense, which suggests that he is more aggressive as a scorer. The potential for him to be the athletic defensive player he was in 2022-23 remains, despite the fact that his defense has not been as prominent.

In this matchup, Dyson Daniels will also be required to contribute to the offense. He has increased his total number of attempts from 5.1 to 12.1, and he is currently averaging a career-high four attempts from deep. That is a consequence of his status as a starter, and it appears that he has adapted to it. Nevertheless, his overall shooting performance has been inconsistent. He is currently shooting a meager 27.8% from beyond the arc on the year, despite a few games in which he makes the shot. If the Hawks are to have any hope of remaining in this game, Daniels must have a high-scoring game. There is minimal cause for concern regarding defense. He is the Hawks’ most effective perimeter defender, averaging 3.3 thefts per game, which is a career-high. I believe it would be a wise decision to assign Daniels as the primary defender to White, particularly if Tatum is unavailable.

Ultimately, it would not be surprising if the Celtics opt to rest Tatum and Horford for the evening; however, they have not yet been excluded. In the event that this occurs, this article will be revised.

Injury Report
Atlanta is without Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kobe Bufkin, DeAndre Hunter, Trae Young, Vit Krejci, and Cody Zeller.