Payton Pritchard's Shooting Shines as Celtics Face Hawks

Boston guard continues to excel despite finger injury, while Atlanta looks to extend winning streak

Jan. 27, 2026 at 11:31pm

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Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard has been dealing with an injury to a finger on his left (non-shooting) hand, but it hasn't affected his shooting accuracy. Pritchard is averaging 16.8 points per game while shooting 45.1% from the field and 34.7% from 3-point range this season. He scored a game-high 23 points in Boston's recent win over Portland. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks enter Wednesday's matchup on a three-game winning streak and have a better road record than home record this season.

Why it matters

Pritchard's continued strong play despite the finger injury is a positive sign for the Celtics, who are looking to maintain their position atop the Eastern Conference standings. The Hawks, meanwhile, are trying to build momentum and solidify their playoff positioning in the crowded Eastern Conference race.

The details

Pritchard first injured the finger during a game against Portland on Dec. 28 and appeared to aggravate it late in Monday's game, but returned after a quick trip to the locker room. His shooting statistics have actually improved since the original injury, as he is shooting 46.9% from the field and 40.3% from 3-point range in January after making just 30.9% of his 3-point attempts in December. Atlanta will be without Kristaps Porzingis, who has missed the last nine games with Achilles tendinitis, and Zaccarie Risacher, who has missed nine straight games with a knee contusion. Boston centers Neemias Queta and Luke Garza were both dealing with an illness on Monday, opening the door for more minutes for rookie Amari Williams.

  • Pritchard first injured the finger during a game against Portland on Dec. 28.
  • Pritchard scored a game-high 23 points in Boston's 102-94 victory over Portland on Monday night.

The players

Payton Pritchard

A Boston Celtics guard who has been dealing with an injury to a finger on his left (non-shooting) hand, but has continued to excel, averaging 16.8 points per game while shooting 45.1% from the field and 34.7% from 3-point range this season.

Kristaps Porzingis

An Atlanta Hawks player who has missed the last nine games with Achilles tendinitis and won't play on Wednesday.

Zaccarie Risacher

An Atlanta Hawks forward who has missed the last nine games with a knee contusion and may not be ready to play on Wednesday.

Neemias Queta

A Boston Celtics center who was dealing with an illness on Monday and is listed as doubtful for Wednesday's game.

Luke Garza

A Boston Celtics center who was dealing with an illness on Monday and is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game.

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What they’re saying

“When you play basketball, you deal with finger injuries. I've been dealing with it, jamming it back and forth, and then he just kind of hit it.”

— Payton Pritchard (Massachusetts statenews.net)

“I thought he was just efficient with everything he did. I thought he defended well, too.”

— Quin Snyder, Atlanta Hawks coach (Massachusetts statenews.net)

“We want to get in the paint, and to understand when you get in there it's not always for your opportunity to finish, but to spray it out to guys. That's why we talk about spacing so much. ... You're always involved in the play, even when you think someone else is going to take the shot.”

— Quin Snyder, Atlanta Hawks coach (Massachusetts statenews.net)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.