The Celtics blew a chance at home to close out the Hawks in game 5, and the series now continues as a result.
Leading in the late moments, Trae Young buried a deep three out of a timeout play, and it helped to put the game in their favor. With Dejounte Murray suspended, they were unable to take advantage and it will make their advancement to the next round just a little bit harder.
There is a little pressure on Atlanta to win in spite of them being a #7 seed, but watching the Miami Heat, who they knocked off in the play-in advance to the next round could mean this series is a little more important. The team has looked good enough to win a few games against the defending conference champs. It all starts there.
ODDS:
Spread: Celtics -6.5
Moneyline: Celtics -275, Hawks +220
Over/Under: 232
Celtics Seek To Advance
A victory for Boston would help them to cement their place in the next round. They would be battling against the 76ers, a series that may well have the conference champion now that the Bucks have been eliminated. Joel Embiid’s injury is getting extra time to heal as the Hawks continue to advance the series into later games. This was not projected by the experts to go six, but the Hawks are never an easy matchup.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown both have to be better, and the bench has to continue to perform. Malcolm Brogdon has been that guy this year, as he won the sixth man of the year award. He and Robert Williams III provide incredible value and versatility, while Sam Hauser is ahead of Grant Williams to better space the floor.
The team can win by riding their stars and defending the three-point line.
Hawks Try to Force Game 7
Should Atlanta come away with a victory, the incredible Zaza Pachulia game 7 meme can be used. The team did win a game 7 in the second round against the 76ers two years ago, and a victory here could move us closer to that series happening again. The beginning of the end of the Ben Simmons ‘empire’ started when he didn’t go for a dunk with Trae Young in the paint as the primary defender.
Young put up 30+ points and 9, 13, and 15 assists respectively in the last three games of this series. After a slow start, he has emerged and proven himself again as one of the best guards in the game. With Murray back next to him, they have the better backcourt. With Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu, they can go toe-to-toe with the bigs when they are able to box out effectively.
Atlanta can win if they control the glass and win the battle of threes. They have the personnel needed to do it.
Hawks Extend Series to Seven
This one is going to have some weekend action. After a number of 4-1 finishes, Atlanta has taken this to six, and will extend it one more. Trae is going to guide his team to a surprising victory. Hawks +220, folks.
