The initial wave of play-in action is in the books, and the 2023 NBA Playoffs are taking shape. Eight first-round series get underway this weekend, including four high-quality matchups in the Eastern Conference. On Saturday afternoon, things get underway between the No. 2 seed Boston Celtics and the No. 7 seed Atlanta Hawks with Game 1 at TD Garden. Jayson Tatum leads the way for Boston after nearly a full week of rest, with Trae Young and Dejounte Murray keying the Hawks. 

Boston came within a whisker of the best record in the NBA this season, finishing with 57 victories. The Celtics will have home-court advantage against any opponent other than Milwaukee as a result. Tatum projects as a first-team All-NBA selection and a top-five candidate for NBA MVP honors this season, with the Celtics also bringing an intriguing, deep roster with high-end playoff experience. Boston fell just short of an NBA title in 2022, losing to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, and the Celtics aim to take the next step this season.

For Atlanta, the 2022-23 season hasn't been terribly friendly. The Hawks made significant moves, headlined by the acquisition of Murray, only to struggle to a 41-41 record. Atlanta made a midseason coaching change, tabbing Quin Snyder while jettisoning Nate McMillan, and the Hawks hung around the .500 mark for the vast majority of the season. The Hawks did perform well in the play-in, however, putting together a strong two-way effort in an 11-point win over the Miami Heat on the road.

Below, we'll examine the series from every angle, including a pick on the winner and a best bet on the series. As the seven-game matchup gets underway, the Celtics are -1000 favorites ($1000 to win $100) at Caesars Sportsbook, with the Hawks listed at +650 ($100 to win $650) to advance. Boston is +155 to win the Eastern Conference this season and +325 to win the 2023 NBA championship. Atlanta is listed at +8000 to win the East and +20000 to win the title.

Hawks vs. Celtics full series odds

• Series winner: Celtics -1000 | Hawks +650
  
• Series handicap: Celtics -2.5 games (-150) | Hawks +2.5 games (+120)
• Series alternate handicap: Celtics -1.5 games (-340| Hawks +1.5 games (+260)
• Total number of games: Five (+175) | Six (+275) | Four (+275) | Seven (+300)
• Exact finish: Celtics in 5 (+180) | Celtics in 4 (+275) | Celtics in 7 (+375) | Celtics in 6 (+400) | Hawks in 6 (+1400) | Hawks in 7 (+1800) | Hawks in 5 (+5000) | Hawks in 4 (+8000)

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