The NBA schedule is a grind. If you’ve been trying to keep track of the Green’s West Coast swing or their recent battles in the East, you might be asking: who are the Celtics playing tonight? Tonight, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Boston Celtics are taking their talents to Georgia to face off against the Atlanta Hawks.
This isn't just another mid-season game. It’s a road test at State Farm Arena with a tip-off scheduled for 7:30 PM EST. Whether you're a die-hard C's fan or just looking for some weekend hoops, this matchup has some weird layers to it that make it worth more than a casual glance.
The Matchup: Boston Celtics at Atlanta Hawks
Honestly, the Celtics have had a bit of a roller coaster lately. They’re sitting at 25-15, which sounds great until you realize they’ve dropped a couple of games they probably should have won, including those rough outings against the Blazers and Lakers earlier this month. They did bounce back with a gutsy 119-114 win over the Heat this past Thursday, so the momentum is kinda back on their side.
On the other end, the Hawks are hanging around the .500 mark at 20-23. They’re a scrappy team, especially at home. Vegas has the Celtics as 3.5-point favorites, which basically means they think it’s going to be a close one. The over/under is sitting at 229.5, suggesting we might see some decent scoring tonight.
Where and When to Watch
If you aren’t making the trip to Atlanta, you’ve got a few options to catch the action:
- Time: 7:30 PM EST
- Venue: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
- TV Channels: NBC Sports Boston (for the locals) and Peachtree TV or FDSSSE (for the Atlanta folks).
- Streaming: Fubo (regional restrictions apply) or the NBA League Pass if you’re out of market.
Who’s Actually Playing? The Injury Bug is Real
This is where things get a little messy. You can't talk about who are the Celtics playing tonight without looking at the injury report because it's looking a bit crowded for both teams.
Jayson Tatum is still the biggest question mark looming over this season. He’s been dealing with that Achilles issue that’s kept him out since October, and the latest reports suggest he won't be back until April. That’s a massive hole to fill.
Jaylen Brown has been the absolute engine for this team in Tatum’s absence. He’s putting up 29.4 points per game, but even he has been popped on the injury report with "Day-to-Day" status for back and hamstring issues recently. He’s expected to go, but you can tell the load is starting to wear on him.
The Supporting Cast Status
- Payton Pritchard: He’s listed as doubtful with an ankle injury. Losing his spark off the bench is a blow to the second unit.
- Sam Hauser: listed as probable despite a lingering hamstring/ankle situation. He’ll likely be out there spacing the floor.
- Anfernee Simons: He’s been a godsend lately. Coming off a 39-point explosion against the Heat, he’s basically become the secondary scoring option the Celtics desperately needed.
For the Hawks, they’ve got their own headaches. Kristaps Porzingis (yes, the former Celtic) is officially OUT for tonight with left Achilles tendinitis. Atlanta fans won’t get to see the "Unicorn" face his former team. Additionally, Dyson Daniels is questionable with an ankle injury.
Why This Game Matters for the Celtics
Winning on the road in the NBA is never easy. The Celtics are currently in the middle of a stretch where they need to prove they can stay at the top of the Eastern Conference without their franchise player.
Jaylen Brown vs. Jalen Johnson is the matchup to watch. Johnson has been a beast for Atlanta, averaging a double-double with 23.1 points and 10.1 rebounds. If the Celtics can't contain him in the paint, it’s going to be a long night in the A.
Derrick White also needs to stay aggressive. He’s been a defensive anchor, averaging 1.5 blocks and 1.3 steals, but with Pritchard likely out, White's playmaking will be under the microscope.
How to Prepare for Tip-Off
If you’re planning on betting or just want to be the smartest person in your group chat, keep an eye on the final injury reports about an hour before tip-off. NBA teams love to make late changes.
👉 See also: What Time Is The Detroit Tiger Game On Today: Why You Can't Find It
Actionable Steps for Tonight:
- Check the Starters: Look for the official lineup around 7:00 PM EST. If Jaylen Brown is a late scratch, the odds will shift dramatically.
- Watch the Bench: Keep an eye on Neemias Queta and Jordan Walsh. With the roster thinned out by injuries, these guys are going to get significant minutes.
- Monitor the Odds: If the line moves from -3.5 to something like -1.5, it usually means the "sharps" know something about a player's status that hasn't hit the news cycle yet.
The Celtics have the talent to win this, but playing in Atlanta without Tatum and potentially Pritchard makes this a classic "trap game." Grab your jersey, settle in, and let's see if the Green can keep the momentum rolling.