Celtics V Hawks to Meet in First Round 2023

So, the Celtics v Hawks will meet in the first round of the NBA Playoffs on Saturday, April 15th at the TD Garden.

Celtics v Hawks

In the regular season, the Celtics were 3 – 0 against the Hawks.

So, the Atlanta Hawks defeated the Miami Heat in a Play-in Tournament on Tuesday night. Luckily for the Celtics; they have had a much easier time in the regular season with Atlanta versus Miami. Indeed, many expected the first round to be the Celtics facing the Heat again. To read more on last year’s match-up with the Heat; visit my Celtics v Heat to Meet in Eastern Conference Finals May 2022 post.

Because the team was 2 – 2 with the Heat during the regular season; I am happy to see them facing the Hawks in the first round.

Although Atlanta has the potential to score a lot of points quickly; Boston has been able to surpass them in the regular season.

Celtics v Hawks to Meet in First Round Playoff Schedule

Since the Celtics ended as the No. 2 seed, they will host Games 1, 2, 5, and 7. Furthermore, since Atlanta is the No. 7 seed, they will face Boston in the first round.

In the best of 7 games, the schedule for the first round is as follows.

• Saturday, April 15th – Game 1 – Atlanta in Boston – 3:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 18th – Game 2 – – Atlanta in Boston – 7:00 p.m.
• Friday, April 21st – Game 3 – Boston in Atlanta – 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday, April 23rd – Boston in Atlanta – Game 4 – 7:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 25th – Atlanta in Boston – Game 5 – if necessary
• Thursday, April 27th – Boston in Atlanta – Game 6 – if necessary

• Saturday, April 29th – Atlanta in Boston – Game 7- if necessary

Meanwhile, any of the schedules are subject to change.

Difference Maker

Since this roster was built around the depth of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown; this team has the ability to play together. Although Marcus Smart won Defensive Player of the Year last year; he hasn’t seemed like the same player this year. Has he been playing through the season with an injury?

Because the Hawks have been inconsistent this year; their defense had them finish 500 in the regular season.

Both teams have new head coaches.

In Boston, Joe Mazzulla replaced Ime Udokoa who was suspended for the entire season. Although Mazzula was initially named as Interim Coach; he was made as the permanent Head Coach halfway through the season.

Will Mazzulla be a difference-maker?

In Atlanta, Quin Snyder will have to work on the defense in order for them to be competitive. Since they are coming off their Play-In Tournament against Miami; I don’t think they will get very far.

Although the Celtics were leading the NBA most of the season; halfway through their season they ended up falling behind. Moreover, they were not able to catch the Milwaukee Bucks and ended up as the No. 2 Seed.

In addition, there were several games; they lost to teams who didn’t even make the playoffs.

Now that it is the Playoffs, will their play straighten out?

Moreover, the trade for Malcolm Brogdon has worked out well.

Because Jaylen Brown recently had a hand injury; will this limit his ability in the playoffs?

Who Will Win

So, who do you think will win the first round? Will it be the Celtics who went to the finals last year? Or, will Atlanta outscore them?

Since the Boston Celtics were the favorite before the season started; I expect them to have an advantage over the Atlanta Hawks. Also, since they have the homecourt advantage; they should be able to continue their quest to meet their next opponent in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Finally, as long as the Celtics stay healthy; they have an opportunity to return to the finals.

As always, I welcome your comments on the Celtics v Hawks. Will you be watching this series? Of course, I know I will be up late throughout the series.