It looks like the oddsmakers have priced in the revenge angle to this one at State Farm Arena after Boston kicked away what at one time was a 30-point lead (sheesh!) on Monday in Atlanta. But the Celtics had been so consistent beforehand, winning the nine previous and covering eight, that we don't mind laying this inflated "payback" price, especially with Trae Young still sidelined on the Hawks side. Most hands are on deck for Boston save possibly Jrue Holiday and Al Horford, though the Celtics have played thru various injuries without much trouble the past month. Play Celtics

We are going to stick with some early action on BOS because it continues to reward us. They plastered ATL by 22 in 1st qtr MON< BOS is well rested, ATL played Wed night and all the metrics points to laying this with BOS 1st QTR in a revenge spot, with expected full health - with a line that is now bloated 5 points from where we grabbed it - vs a team that often comes out flat. Since AGS BOS 14-3 dominating 1st QTR at +7.1 (next "closest" is DEN 5.2). ATL is 25th in 1st QTR since ASG at -2.1. BOS eager to flex muscles after blowing 30 point lead at AT. First half -10.5 not a bad look either

So yeah we were on the wrong side of BOS blowing a 30-point lead at ATL Mon (we jumped it -11) but we knew Celtics would come out humming with ATL playing them tough this year (play BOS 1st spread and 1st half as soon as it populates; I will). BOS was due for a letdown and it came in second half. But their perimeter D lapsed and shooting went dry and I anticipate they build another 25+ lead here with 2 days off in ATL to stew on this rematch. Celtics dominate 1st half on road and ATL is a slow starter (especially at home). BOS coach's suspect rotation killed us Mon; must lean on starters after such a bad loss