If you’re scrambling to figure out is there a Celtics game tonight, the short answer is a big yes. Grab your gear. The Boston Celtics are heading into a Saturday night showdown against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET.
Honestly, this isn't just another mid-season filler. The 2025-26 season has been a wild ride for Boston, and tonight’s matchup in Georgia carries a lot of weight for the Eastern Conference standings. Boston currently sits at 25-15, holding onto the top spot in the Atlantic Division by a hair.
How to Watch the Celtics vs. Hawks Tonight
You've got a few ways to catch the action. If you're local to New England, NBC Sports Boston is your go-to home for the broadcast. For those outside the region, the game is available via NBA League Pass.
Streaming? You can find the game on Fubo (which usually offers a free trial if you're in a pinch) or the NBC Sports app if you have a cable login.
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The vibe at State Farm Arena is going to be intense. It’s a "City Edition" night for the Hawks, so expect to see that "Peachtree" branding everywhere. If you're actually in Atlanta and looking for last-minute tickets, prices are hovering around $71 on the secondary market.
The Injury Bug is Biting Hard
This is where things get a bit messy. The Celtics are dealing with some significant roster holes right now.
Most notably, Jayson Tatum remains out as he continues his long recovery from a ruptured Achilles. It sucks. We've known this was coming for a while, but his absence is felt every single night.
To make matters worse, the backcourt is thinning out. Payton Pritchard is listed as doubtful for tonight with left ankle soreness. If he doesn't suit up, it’ll be the first game he’s missed all season. That puts a ton of pressure on the rest of the rotation. Josh Minott is also officially out with an ankle sprain.
The Atlanta Side of the Script
Atlanta isn't exactly at full strength either. There's some irony here too. Former Celtic Kristaps Porzingis is ruled out for the Hawks tonight due to left Achilles tendinitis.
Here is the quick breakdown of who is sitting out:
- Boston: Jayson Tatum (Out), Josh Minott (Out), Payton Pritchard (Doubtful).
- Atlanta: Kristaps Porzingis (Out), Zaccharie Risacher (Out), N'Faly Dante (Out), Dyson Daniels (Questionable).
Why This Matchup Matters
Boston is coming off a gritty 119-114 win against the Miami Heat on Thursday. They showed some serious heart in that one. Jaylen Brown dropped 27 points in his return, and honestly, they're going to need even more from him tonight.
Keep an eye on Anfernee Simons. He went absolutely nuclear against Miami, scoring 39 points off the bench. With Pritchard likely out, Simons might have to carry a massive scoring load again.
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Atlanta is sitting at 20-23 and desperately trying to stay in the play-in hunt. They've lost two straight and are looking for a "get right" game at home. Jalen Johnson has been their engine, averaging over 23 points and 10 boards. Watching him match up against Jaylen Brown should be worth the price of admission alone.
Statistical Edge
Statistically, the Celtics are still a juggernaut even without Tatum. They have the 2nd best Offensive Rating in the league. Their defense is middle-of-the-pack (15th), but they're 2nd in Net Rating. They play slow—dead last in pace—which means every possession tonight is going to feel like a grind.
Atlanta, on the other hand, wants to run. They score a lot but give up even more. It’s a classic "clash of styles" scenario.
Actionable Steps for Tonight
- Check the Final Status: Keep an eye on the official Celtics Twitter (X) feed around 6:00 PM ET for the final word on Payton Pritchard.
- Set Your DVR: If you're heading out, make sure NBC Sports Boston is set to record at 7:30 PM.
- Fantasy Alert: If you have Anfernee Simons in your lineup, start him. His usage rate is going to be through the roof if Pritchard is out.
- Plan for Monday: After tonight, the Celtics travel to face the Detroit Pistons on January 19 at 8:00 PM ET.
The Celtics are favorites, but playing the second night of a road trip with a depleted bench is always a trap. Expect a close one.