THE Boston Celticswinners of nine straight, could clinch first place in the Eastern Conference on Monday when they open a two-game series in Atlanta.
Boston (57-14) needs a win — or a Milwaukee Bucks loss — to mathematically clinch the top playoff spot. Another win would give the team its most wins since the 2008-09 team went 62-20.
“We’re just hungry for more,” Boston’s Sam Hauser said after Saturday’s 124-113 win over the Chicago Bulls. “It’s not in our character to just mail it in for the rest of the season.”
Boston continues to have the best record in the league, despite tiptoeing through injuries. Jaylen Brown (right ankle load management) did not play Saturday. Jayson Tatum (right ankle), Al Horford (sprained left big toe) and Kristaps Porzingis (right hamstring) have each been in and out of the lineup. Jrue Holiday hasn’t played since March 17 after injuring his right shoulder against the Washington Wizards, and there is no timetable for his return.
“Different people, different guys, are ready to step up when their number is called,” Horford said. “We all understand what we’re trying to do, how we’re trying to play. Guys stay ready and take advantage of opportunities.”
The Celtics won the first two games of the season against Atlanta – 113-103 on November 26 and 125-117 on February 7, both played in Boston. The Celtics have a seven-game winning streak against the Falcons and have won the last two matches played in Atlanta.
Atlanta (31-39) is currently No. 10 in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks are 5 1/2 games ahead of the Brooklyn Nets and just 2 1/2 games behind the No. 9 Bulls. But if Atlanta aspires to catch Chicago, it will have to overcome a difficult schedule. The Hawks play four home games over the next six days, including two against Boston and single games against the Portland Trail Blazers and Bucks.
“We’re not going to take this for granted,” said Atlanta reserve Bruno Fernando, who scored a career-high 25 points and grabbed six rebounds Saturday in a 132-91 home win over the Hornets from Charlotte.
“Every game is a special day, so we’re going to try to enjoy the games that we can win, especially on our home field. … We’ve seen this happen before with other people, so why not?”
Fernando’s effort was the latest in a string of good games for the physical striker. He earned more minutes in the absence of Onyeka Okongwu, who missed 13 games with a toe injury and was ruled out of Saturday’s game for load management.
“It means a lot,” Fernando said. “It’s been a long time coming for me. This team is special to me. I’ve been through a lot here with this organization, so for me to be able to come out and play a game like this means a lot to me.”
The Hawks continue to be plagued by injuries. Starters Trae Young, Jalen Johnson and Saddiq Bey all missed Saturday’s game. The team hasn’t said when it expects Young to return; he missed 14 games.
“We miss Trae, but when you have a point guard like (Dejounte Murray), it keeps the offense going,” said Atlanta reserve Garrison Mathews, who scored a season-high 20 points against Charlotte.
Murray has scored 29 and 28 points in his last two games. He made 7 of 9 on 3-pointers against Charlotte and had 12 assists with seven rebounds.
–Field level media
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