Hawks Host Celtics in Clash of Eastern Conference Foes

Boston and Atlanta meet for the second time this season, with the Hawks looking to avenge an earlier loss to the Celtics.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 1:55am

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The Boston Celtics (49-24) will travel to State Farm Arena in Atlanta to take on the Hawks (42-33) on Monday night. In their previous matchup, the Celtics earned a 109-102 victory over the Hawks. Boston has been led by strong play from Payton Pritchard, who scored 36 points on 13-of-23 shooting in the last game between these teams. Atlanta is coming off a 123-113 win over the Kings and will look to even the season series against the Celtics.

Why it matters

This game features two teams jockeying for position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Celtics are currently fourth in the East, while the Hawks are seventh. A win for Atlanta would help them close the gap and potentially move up in the standings, while a Boston victory would solidify their hold on a top-four seed.

The details

In the previous matchup, the Celtics shot 46.9% from the field and 40% from three-point range, while the Hawks connected on 50.6% of their shots and 39% from deep. Boston held a 47-41 rebounding advantage and committed fewer fouls (21-19). Payton Pritchard had a big game for the Celtics, scoring 36 points. For the Hawks, Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the way with 27 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds.

  • The game will take place on Monday, March 30, 2026.
  • The Celtics and Hawks last met on an unspecified date prior to this matchup.

The players

Payton Pritchard

A key contributor for the Boston Celtics, Pritchard scored 36 points on 13-of-23 shooting in the previous matchup against the Hawks.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker

The leading scorer for the Atlanta Hawks in their last game, Alexander-Walker had 27 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds.

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What they’re saying

“We must be ready to match the Celtics' intensity and execution if we want to come away with a win tonight.”

— Nate McMillan, Head Coach, Atlanta Hawks

“Our defense will be the key to slowing down the Hawks' high-powered offense. We need to limit their open looks and force them to work for every basket.”

— Ime Udoka, Head Coach, Boston Celtics

What’s next

The winner of this game will have the advantage in the season series, which could prove important for playoff seeding down the stretch.

The takeaway

This matchup between the Celtics and Hawks features two teams jockeying for position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The outcome could have significant implications for their respective postseason aspirations.