NBA Game Today: Boston Celtics vs Atlanta Hawks - January 16, 2026

🏀 Today's matchup features the Boston Celtics taking on the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

📺 Broadcast: FanDuel Sports Network - Southeast - Atlanta

⏰ Tip-off Time: 1/18/2026, 12:30:00 AM

Match Preview

Celtics vs. Hawks Showdown: NBA Matchup to Watch on January 16, 2026

Ladies and gents, hoop fans of the universe, strap in because we've got a barnburner on deck when the Boston Celtics take on the Atlanta Hawks today at State Farm Arena. Mark your calendar, set your alarms, and call in sick if you have to—'cause this is the NBA game today you do not want to miss! Broadcasting live via FanDuel Sports Network - Southeast - Atlanta, this game promises to be an electrifying showdown packed with page-turning plays, gravity-defying dunks, and buzzer-beating excitement.

Key Player Matchups: What a Basketball Feast!

First things first, let’s dive into the juicy player matchups tonight. The Celtics boast their electric duo, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, fresh off another All-Star appearance. These dudes are a dynamo of offensive might and defensive savvy, a nightmare for any opponent. They will face Trae Young and De'Andre Hunter, the Hawks' headlining act. Young, with his unparalleled court vision and deep shooting range, will look to exploit any cracks in Boston's defense. Meanwhile, Hunter's defensive chops will be tested against Tatum's multifaceted offensive wizardry. Expect fireworks, folks!

Celtics' Strengths and Weaknesses: The TD Garden Pulse

The Boston Celtics, led by a young, fierce squad, excel with their breathtaking fast breaks and robust perimeter shooting. But hold up—they aren't just a sweet-scoring machine. Their suffocating defense often sends opponents back to the board scratching their heads. However, if there's an Achilles’ heel, it's their occasional struggle to protect the glass. Letting teams slip in for offensive rebounds is like handing out free candy. Beep beep, switch gears, and lock down the boards, Celtics!

Hawks' Strengths and Weaknesses: The ATL Groove

Oh, Atlanta, with its red-hot offensive tempo driven by Trae Young's savvy court wizardry! The Hawks' strength is their sharpshooting from downtown and penchant for running up the score. But let's not pretend everything’s peachy in the ATL; their defense sometimes plays like it's on roller skates. To snag the win against the Celtics, the Hawks need to tighten up their D, plug those leaks, and stay focused. The key to the city? Defense, baby!

What Each Team Needs to Do to Win & Prediction

The Celtics need to replicate their defensive dominance while knocking down those three-point daggers like they’re playing a videogame. Keep an eye out for Marcus Smart to set the tone with some mean steals and hustle boards—he’s the heart and soul guy. For Atlanta, they must crank the offensive pace to overload Boston’s transition defense and perhaps consider double-teaming the Celtics' hot hands.

So, onto the million-dollar prediction: Fasten your seatbelts! This duel will be tight, but I’m calling a Celtics win by seven points. Tatum’s putting up a smooth 30-piece and Brown’s logging a double-double. But hey, never sleep on Trae cooking up something magical; if Atlanta’s defense steps up, the Hawks could steal the W. Either way, we're in for a hoops masterpiece that chisels its way into the highlight reels for years to come. Get your popcorn ready and enjoy the show!

🔥 Stay tuned for updates on today’s Celtics vs Hawks NBA matchup!