The Celtics' journey back to the NBA Finals won't be an easy one, and the Hawks are hoping they can stop it in their tracks in the first round.
Atlanta rumbled past the Heat in the first game of the play-in tournament, pulling off the upset and securing the East's No. 7 seed after finishing 41-41 in the regular season.
The Hawks were the very definition of average this season, but they're largely healthy and have a proven playoff performer in Trae Young. With former Jazz coach Quin Snyder now at the helm, they might be coming into their own at the ideal time.
The Celtics fell short of their goal of earning the East's top seed, settling for No. 2 and a potential second-round matchup with the 76ers. Before they can get there, they'll have to avoid the upset against Atlanta.
MORE: Dates, TV schedule, brackets for 2023 NBA Playoffs
It all starts on Saturday when the Celtics and what figures to be a raucous TD Garden crowd try to steer the early momentum in their direction.
Here's what you need to know to watch Celtics vs. Hawks face off in Game 1 on Saturday, including the start time, TV channel and schedule.
What time is Celtics vs. Hawks?
- Date: Saturday, April 15
- Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: TD Garden, Boston, Mass.
Game 1 between the Celtics and Hawks will tip off at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday from TD Garden in Boston, Mass.
MORE: Can Trae Young, Hawks threaten Celtics in opening round?
What channel is Celtics vs. Hawks on?
- TV channel: ESPN
- Live stream: ESPN+, Sling TV
Game 1 of the first-round playoff series between the Celtics and Hawks will be broadcast on ESPN. Viewers can also live stream the 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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Celtics vs. Hawks series schedule, TV channels
Game 1 of the seven-game series between the Celtics and Hawks will take place on Saturday, April 15. The series will shift to Atlanta for Games 3 and 4 and return to Boston for Game 5 if necessary.
Below is a full schedule for the Celtics vs. Hawks playoff series.
| Date | Game | Location | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| April 15 | Game 1 | TD Garden | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| April 18 | Game 2 | TD Garden | 7 p.m. | NBA TV |
| April 21 | Game 3 | State Farm Arena | 7 p.m. | ESPN |
| April 23 | Game 4 | State Farm Arena | 7 p.m. | TNT |
| April 25 | Game 5* | TD Garden | TBD | TBD |
| April 27 | Game 6* | State Farm Arena | TBD | TBD |
| April 29 | Game 7* | TD Garden | TBD | TBD |
*If necessary
