Now that DWhite is questionable and DHolliday is out every box checks for the unicorn. High total, high usage, no options to defend him. Boom

Not interested in picking the night when Boston might actually lose, which hasn't happened in nine straight games (Celtics 8-1 vs. line in those). Several of the wins in the last two weeks have come when shorthanded, and Jrue Hoiliday (shoulder) is likely out again tonight, while Derrick White (hand) is iffy. But Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are both expected to play, while the host Hawks have exhibited bipoolar tendencies, both winning and losing games by 30+-point margins in the past week as Trae Young (finger) remains out. These two will do it again on Thursday at State Farm Arena. Play Celtics

BOS is 14-2 since ASG, covering this total 12 times. They've covered it 15 of 20. They are lapping the field and looking for motivation and things to work on - last two games they lost the 1st quarter. I don't see it happening here. Hawks scored 37 vs BOS in 1st quarter last time in ATL (inj Trae Young had 11). You think Joe Mazzulla ran that back in film study? Yup. BOS +6.1 in 1st qtr since ASG (1st), scoring 35/1st QTR (1st). ATL scores 26/1st QTR since ASG (23rd) and 24.7 at home. ATL -.7 in 1st QTR since ASG. BOS fresh and should play close to an A lineup, especially to open game with another game in ATL not til Thurs.

Kristaps Porzingis has enjoyed a tremendous season with the Boston Celtics and has been lights out from an efficiency standpoint, while playing solid defense on the other end of the court. Porzingis has torched Clint Capela and the Hawks throughout his career and it should come as little surprise as he possesses the shooting to pull Capela away from the basket where he is less effective. With Jrue Holiday already ruled out and Derrick White Questionable, there may be additional scoring onus on Porzingis tonight.

We love BOS on road = 6-0 ATS run covering every game by at least 5 points. Margin of victory during streak: 11, 27, 26, 16, 22, 10. ATL is 20th in home +/- for season and 29th in defensive net rating at home and the Celtics can light them up. With 2 straight at ATL we figure BOS plays fairly strong lineup Mon and their second team is elite. ATL 12-22 ATS at home 10-22 ATS as dog, 11-27 vs Eastern Conference. BOS is ridiculous +17.3 since ASG (14-2), next "closest" team is OKC (10.4) We have to stay on the trend of BOS at shoddy home teams.