Opening Price (via DraftKings): Boston Celtics (-1000) Atlanta Hawks (+700)
There are many who believe the Boston Celtics are the best team in the NBA, and it is hard to argue against that theory. Boston finished in the top four in both non-garbage time offensive and defensive efficiency, and led the league in net rating (+6.9) as a result. It would seem that the first round is just a formality, and that Atlanta is due for a quick exit against the reigning Eastern Conference champions.
However, this is clearly not the same underperforming Hawks team that stumbled its way into the seventh seed. Quin Snyder has slowly implemented his offensive system, and since he’s taken over as head coach this team has averaged the fourth most points per 100 possessions in non-garbage time (121.0). This team still has its flaws, but there is certainly a chance they are better than the market indicates.
That offense is certainly Atlanta’s best shot to be competitive in this series, and when it faced Boston back on March 11 it showed that it could have success against the Celtics’ defense.