Celtics vs. Hawks: What to Watch as Boston Hits Atlanta for First Matchup of the Season
The Boston Celtics continue their road swing Saturday night with a visit to Atlanta, where they’ll face the Hawks for the first time this season. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. ET, with pregame coverage beginning on NBC Sports Boston.
This isn’t just another stop on the schedule - it’s a matchup packed with intrigue. Atlanta took two of three from Boston last season, and while both rosters have seen some shakeups since then, the competitive edge between these two teams hasn’t dulled one bit.
Key Absences on Both Sides
Boston will be without guard Payton Pritchard, who’s sidelined with an ankle injury. His absence takes away a spark plug off the bench - a player who’s shown the ability to change the tempo with his energy and shot-making. Josh Minott is also out with an ankle issue.
On the other side, the Hawks are dealing with some significant injury news of their own. Kristaps Porzingis, now wearing an Atlanta uniform after his stint in Boston, won’t get a chance to face his former team due to a lingering Achilles injury. That’s a tough blow for the Hawks, who were likely counting on his size and floor spacing to counter Boston’s versatile frontcourt.
Atlanta will also be without two young pieces: Zaccharie Risacher (knee) and Dyson Daniels (ankle). Both players have shown flashes this season, and their absence thins out the Hawks’ rotation even further.
A New-Look Hawks Team
One of the biggest storylines heading into this game is the Hawks’ recent blockbuster move. On January 9, Atlanta traded four-time All-Star Trae Young to the Washington Wizards - a seismic shift for a franchise that had built its offense around Young’s dynamic playmaking and deep shooting.
Without Young, the Hawks are in the early stages of reshaping their identity. That means more responsibility for their remaining backcourt and wings, and a different rhythm offensively. For Boston, it’s a new challenge - preparing for a team that’s still finding its post-Trae footing.
What’s at Stake
For the Celtics, this game is about maintaining momentum and continuing to build chemistry during a stretch of road contests. With key players out on both sides, depth will be tested, and Boston’s ability to adapt on the fly could be the difference-maker.
Expect the Celtics to lean on their core - a group that’s been through plenty of battles together - to set the tone early. Atlanta, meanwhile, will be looking to prove that even without their former All-Star, they can still hang with one of the league’s elite teams.
It’s the first of what could be several compelling matchups between these two this season. And with recent history favoring Atlanta, Boston has every reason to come in locked and loaded.