This is actually a huge game between two teams likely to meet in the first round of the playoffs. <\/p>\n
Celtics vs Hawks Matchup<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Preview<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Boston<\/strong><\/p>\n Just a half game separates the two right now and how they finish will determine which team will have home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. \u00a0Boston has won both meetings this season by a combined 5 points so clearly these teams are pretty close .<\/p>\n Boston has been playing well lately winning 7 of 10.<\/p>\n Not helping Boston\u2019s chances of keeping it up are key injuries. \u00a0Rajon Rondo took a hard fall early in the week and missed their victory over Orlando.<\/p>\n Also out is sharp shooter Ray Allen who was showing some renewed energy while coming off the bench. \u00a0With Rondo out of the lineup Paul Pierce has been playing the role of scorer and distributor. \u00a0He had 29 points and 14 assists against the Magic.\u00a0[soliloquy id=”82219″]<\/p>\n Atlanta<\/strong><\/p>\n The Hawks have also won 7 of their last 10 including a 32 point blowout of Detroit on Wednesday night. \u00a0That night the Hawks had 4 bench players score 10 or more points including a team high 17 by Tracy McGrady.<\/p>\n Depth has helped the Hawks weather their own injury concerns this season and if McGrady can gain some consistency he might help them surprise in the playoffs.<\/p>\n Speaking of surprises how about rookie Ivan Johnson. \u00a0The backup power forward has scored 14 or more points in 5 of the last 6 games as the Hawks try and manage playing time for the rest of the regular season to get ready for the playoffs.<\/p>\n This rookie out of Cal State San Bernardino has been temporarily taking the burden off of mainstay Josh Smith who his having his best season as a pro with career highs in scoring and rebounding.<\/p>\n
\nFriday April 20
\nPhilips Arena – Atlanta, GA
\nTime: 7:00 PM ET
\nMoneyline: \u00a0No money line currently listed
\nSpread: \u00a0\u00a0Atlanta -2
\nO\/U: \u00a0182<\/strong><\/p>\n