Hawks Look to Avenge Friday Loss Against Shorthanded Celtics

Atlanta hosts Boston in potential playoff preview with rest and health advantages

Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:26pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the action of a basketball game, with players and the court broken down into sharp, angular shapes and planes of color.A cubist interpretation of the intense on-court battle between the Hawks and Celtics, capturing the dynamic energy and strategic complexity of their potential playoff matchup.Boston Today

The Atlanta Hawks (42-33) host the Boston Celtics (50-24) at State Farm Arena, looking to avenge their 109-102 loss to the Celtics on Friday night. The Hawks will have a rest advantage, as the Celtics played last night, and Boston may be without several key players due to injuries. Atlanta has a clean injury report and a deep rotation to work with as they try to take advantage of the scheduling and health situation.

Why it matters

This game is crucial in the Eastern Conference playoff race, with just three games separating the 6th-place Hawks and the 10th-place Hornets. A win over the second-place Celtics would be a big boost for Atlanta as they look to solidify their playoff positioning.

The details

In the previous matchup, the Celtics were able to outhustle the Hawks on the boards and clamp down on defense, despite committing 15 turnovers. Atlanta will look to control the tempo and get out in transition, taking advantage of their deep bench and the Celtics' potential injury issues. Dyson Daniels is expected to have a big game on both ends of the floor for the Hawks.

  • The Hawks and Celtics played on Friday, March 28, 2026.
  • The Hawks host the Celtics tonight, March 30, 2026.

The players

Dyson Daniels

A second-year guard for the Atlanta Hawks known for his defense who has improved his offensive game this season.

Jayson Tatum

A star forward for the Boston Celtics who had a 26-point double-double in the previous matchup against the Hawks.

Payton Pritchard

A Celtics guard who came off the bench to score 36 points in the previous game against the Hawks.

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What’s next

The Hawks and Celtics will face off again in a potential first-round playoff preview, with the winner of tonight's game gaining momentum heading into the postseason.

The takeaway

This game is a crucial test for the surging Hawks as they look to solidify their playoff positioning in the crowded Eastern Conference. With a rest advantage and potential injury issues for the Celtics, Atlanta has a prime opportunity to pick up a statement win over one of the top teams in the East.