Predictions Boston Celtics vs Atlanta Hawks | NBA 17.01.26

Boston Celtics vs Atlanta Hawks Game Analysis | 18-01-2026 | NBA

This regular-season matchup on January 18, 2026, at 12:30 AM in State Farm Arena, Atlanta, pits the Boston Celtics (25-15) against the Atlanta Hawks (20-23). The Celtics, despite a strong record, arrive with significant injury concerns, while the Hawks look to capitalize on home court advantage amidst their own roster challenges.

Boston Celtics Team Performance

The Boston Celtics have maintained a commendable 25-15 record, demonstrating resilience and top-tier talent, primarily driven by their star wing. Their offense often flows through isolation and perimeter shooting, but without Jayson Tatum, their primary offensive architect, the burden on Jaylen Brown is immense. Defensively, they remain a disciplined unit, though the absence of key rotation pieces can expose their depth, particularly in playmaking and interior defense. Their recent form has been a testament to their established system, but consistency can waver when key players are sidelined.

Boston Celtics Key Players

• Points: Jaylen Brown (29.4)
• Rebounds: Neemias Queta (8.3)
• Assists: Payton Pritchard (5.4)
• Rating: Jaylen Brown (29.4 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG)

Injury Report Boston Celtics

• Payton Pritchard (Day-to-day): Pritchard (ankle) is doubtful for Saturday’s game against the Hawks, Zack Cox of the Boston Herald reports.
• Josh Minott (Out): Minott (ankle) won’t play in Saturday’s game against the Hawks, Zack Cox of the Boston Herald reports.
• Jayson Tatum (Out): The Celtics have not ruled Tatum (Achilles) out for the 2025-26 season, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on the Pat McAfee Show on Thursday.

Atlanta Hawks Team Performance

The Atlanta Hawks, currently holding a 20-23 record, have experienced an inconsistent season, often defined by explosive offensive nights and defensive lapses. Their reliance on Jalen Johnson for virtually all aspects of their game is evident. While they possess capable shooters, the absence of Kristaps Porzingis significantly impacts their spacing and interior presence. At home, they can be a formidable opponent, leveraging their athleticism and transition game, but their half-court offense can stagnate, especially against disciplined defenses.

Atlanta Hawks Key Players

• Points: Jalen Johnson (23.1)
• Rebounds: Jalen Johnson (10.1)
• Assists: Jalen Johnson (8.1)
• Rating: Jalen Johnson (23.1 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 8.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.5 BPG)

Injury Report Atlanta Hawks

• Dyson Daniels (Day-to-day): Daniels (ankle) is questionable for Saturday’s game against the Celtics.
• Zaccharie Risacher (Out): Risacher (knee) has been ruled out for Saturday’s game against the Celtics.
• Kristaps Porzingis (Out): Porzingis won’t play in Saturday’s game against Boston due to left Achilles tendinitis, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.
• N’Faly Dante (Out): Dante will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports.

Prediction: Boston Celtics vs Atlanta Hawks

Despite significant injury woes, particularly the absence of Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics possess superior overall talent and a more cohesive system. Jaylen Brown’s exceptional individual performance will be crucial, and their role players will need to step up. The Hawks, while formidable at home with Jalen Johnson leading the charge, are missing critical pieces in Porzingis and Risacher, impacting their ability to match Boston’s offensive versatility and defensive solidity. The Celtics’ depth, even with Pritchard likely out, should allow them to secure a hard-fought victory. Expect a high-scoring affair given the offensive firepower and defensive gaps created by injuries on both sides.

Predicted Winner: Away (Boston Celtics)

Total Points Prediction: Over 229.5