SI Sportsbook Recalculates Celtics' Playoff Prospects After Opening Weekend of NBA Playoffs

The Celtics dominated the Hawks at both ends of the floor in the first half of their 112-99 win in Game 1 on Saturday. Boston limited its guests from Atlanta to 44 points on 33.3 percent from the field and 1/16 (6.3 percent) from behind the arc in the first two quarters.

It helped the hosts maintain an up-tempo pace as they relentlessly attacked the rim and produced 36 points in the paint. The Celtics led by 30 at halftime, doing the heavy lifting in their series-opening victory in the first 24 minutes.

Goodness, Jaylen Brown 😱 pic.twitter.com/Rn0C5ak8mg
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 15, 2023

While their showing on Saturday helped, the primary reason SI Sportsbook has bumped Boston to +140 odds, placing the defending Eastern Conference champions on even footing with the Bucks to get back to the NBA Finals, is Giannis Antetokounmpo leaving the latter's Game 1 loss to the Heat with a lower back contusion.

Fortunately for Milwaukee, after Sunday's defeat, head coach Mike Budenholzer said Antetokounmpo's X-ray came back clear, per ESPN's Jamal Collier.

Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer says Giannis Antetokounmpo had an X-ray that came back "clear"

"We’ll monitor him and see how he wakes up tomorrow"
— Jamal Collier (@JamalCollier) April 17, 2023

The Bucks' defeat on their home floor against a Heat team that employs a physical and taxing approach that may not lead to a series upset but, at the least, figures to take a toll on the top seed in the East as they move forward in the playoffs is something oddsmakers can't ignore.

Further Reading

Celtics Get Good News on the Health Front Ahead of Game 2 vs. Hawks

What the Celtics Say They're Focused on for Game 2 vs. the Hawks

The Celtics Give Their Evaluation of Battle on the Boards in Game 1 Win vs. Hawks

The Celtics Discuss Their Game 1 Win vs. the Hawks: 'We Can't Take Our Foot Off the Gas'

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Game 1 Win vs. Hawks: Championship-Caliber Defense Propels Hosts in Series Opener

The Celtics Are Pushing Robert Williams to Take His Offense to the Next Level

Joe Mazzulla and Brad Stevens Discuss How the Celtics' Head Coach Has Grown in His First Year at the Helm: 'He's Been a Great Strength for Us'

Jayson Tatum is Ready for the Challenges that Await the Celtics in the Playoffs: 'We've Not Been Waiting for it But Working for it'

Jaylen Brown on His Relationship with Jayson Tatum: 'We’re a Part of Each Other’s Destiny'