Atlanta Hawks Aim to Avenge Embarrassing Loss Against Celtics

Hawks look to bounce back without key players Zaccharie Risacher and Kristaps Porzingis

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:23pm

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The Atlanta Hawks will face the Boston Celtics tonight, looking to avenge their most embarrassing loss of the season. In their previous matchup, the Celtics dominated the Hawks, scoring 52 points in the second quarter and over 80 in the first half. The Hawks will be without Zaccharie Risacher and Kristaps Porzingis, and they'll need to improve their defense, especially against the Celtics' potent three-point shooting, if they hope to pull off the upset.

Why it matters

This game is an important test for the Hawks, who are looking to bounce back from a lopsided loss to one of the NBA's best teams. The Celtics' hot shooting exposed the Hawks' defensive weaknesses, and the Hawks will need to shore up their perimeter defense to have a chance at winning. A victory would be a significant confidence boost for the Hawks as they continue to navigate the challenging Eastern Conference.

The details

The Hawks' starting lineup will remain the same, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, Corey Kispert, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu taking the floor. The team will need to focus on improving their defensive effort, particularly against the Celtics' three-point shooting, which has been a strength for Boston this season. The Hawks have shown signs of improvement in this area since their previous loss to the Celtics, but they'll need to be at their best to slow down the league's second-best three-point shooting team.

  • The Hawks and Celtics last played on January 15, 2026, with the Celtics winning handily.
  • The Hawks will host the Celtics tonight, January 29, 2026.

The players

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

A starting guard for the Atlanta Hawks.

Dyson Daniels

A starting guard for the Atlanta Hawks.

Corey Kispert

A starting forward for the Atlanta Hawks.

Jalen Johnson

A starting forward for the Atlanta Hawks.

Onyeka Okongwu

The starting center for the Atlanta Hawks.

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What they’re saying

“We must defend the three-point line better if we want to have a chance against the Celtics. Their shooting is what really hurt us last time.”

— Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Starting Guard, Atlanta Hawks (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

What’s next

The Hawks will look to build on any positives from this game as they continue their push for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

This game will test the Hawks' resilience and ability to make adjustments, as they look to bounce back from a lopsided loss and defeat one of the NBA's elite teams without two of their key players.