Boston's hope of returning to the NBA Finals begins with a matchup against Atlanta.
The Celtics finished the regular season with the second-best record in the NBA, trailing the Bucks in the Eastern Conference standings by only one game. It was a disappointing season for the Hawks, who finished with a 41-41 record, but they punched their ticket to the playoffs with an impressive Play-In Tournament win.
Will the Hawks play upset again, or will Boston continue to have Atlanta's number after sweeping the season series?
Here's everything you need to know to watch Celtics vs. Hawks in the first round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs.
PREVIEW: Can Trae Young, Hawks threaten Celtics in opening round?
Celtics vs. Hawks schedule, scores, results
The Celtics enter their first-round series with the Hawks with homecourt advantage.
Games 1, 2, 5 and 7 will be played in Boston while Games 3, 4 and 6 will be played in Atlanta.
The complete schedule for Celtics vs. Hawks is below.
Date | Game | Time (ET)/Result | TV channel |
April 15 | Game 1 | Celtics 112, Hawks 99 | ESPN |
April 18 | Game 2 | Celtics 119, Hawks 106 | NBA TV |
April 21 | Game 3 | Hawks 130, Celtics 122 | ESPN |
April 23 | Game 4 | Celtics 129, Hawks 121 | TNT |
April 25 | Game 5 | Hawks 119, Celtics 117 | TNT |
April 27 | Game 6* | TBD | TNT or NBA TV |
April 29 | Game 7* | TBD | TNT |
* If necessary
How to watch Celtics vs. Hawks
- TV channels: ESPN, TNT, NBA TV
- Live streaming: Sling TV
The first four games of Celtics vs. Hawks will be broadcast on either ESPN, TNT or NBA TV. Viewers can also live stream each game on Sling TV.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA's biggest playoff games on Sling TV, which is now offering HALF OFF your first month! Stream Sling Orange for $20 in your first month to catch all the games on TNT, ESPN & ABC. For games on NBA TV, subscribe to Sling Orange & Sports Extra for $27.50 in your first month. Local regional blackout restrictions apply.
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NBA Playoffs 2023 bracket
The winner of Celtics vs. Hawks will face either the 76ers or Nets in the second round of the playoffs.
The Hawks earned the Eastern Conference's No. 7 seed with a win over the Heat in the Play-In Tournament.