The NBA's first 2023-24 All-Star fan voting return revealed Young as the third-ranked Eastern Conference guard. However, Damian Lillard has almost 100 thousand more votes despite the Atlanta Hawks guard having better stats.

One could say the vote differential could be due to the Milwaukee Bucks having 10 more wins than the Hawks. But team record isn't a huge driving force in voting. In 2019-20, Young received half a million more votes than Lillard despite the Hawks owning one of the worst records.

While Ice Trae is still a popular guard, it's clear on social media that fans don't value his game as much as they once did. Interestingly, Young's career path is shockingly similar to Kyler Murray of the NFL's Arizona Cardinals.

The two playmakers were the faces of Oklahoma sports near the end of the 2010s. Young led Division-I basketball in points and assists in his final season. And Murray was awarded the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 2018. After dominating college, both Sooners were selected in the top five in their drafts to immediately carry historically losing franchises.

They share the same flaws: undersized and tend to turn the ball over due to an unorthodox style of play. But, the negatives in their games didn't seem to matter early in their careers. In 2019, Murray was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Young was selected to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

By 2021, most fans regarded them as one of the best at their positions. Murray led the Cardinals to the playoffs for the first time in half a decade despite playing in a division that featured two NFC Championship teams. And Young took the Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals without an All-Star teammate.

Unfortunately, bad playoff games, injuries, and poor team records in the last two seasons have changed how most value the two athletes. Now, they're seen as losing players who may not be the faces of their franchises.

But it's not like they've regressed.

In his seventh game back from an ACL injury, Murray proved he was still worth the number one overall pick. He threw for three touchdowns in a win at Philadelphia.

Young's putting together one of the most elite playmaking seasons in recent memory. He's averaging the seventh-highest points per game (28.2) and the second-highest assists per game (11.3) on about 44% field goal shooting. His 22 double-doubles are the fourth-best in the East.

Plus, he averages the most points in the fourth quarter amongst players who've played at least 15 games (8.6). His ability to shoot from the parking lot at a high level and create easy opportunites for teammates has the Hawks with the sixth-best offensive raiting (119.5).

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton is averaging nearly four fewer points than Young and more than one assist. However, the national conversation is much more in favor of Haliburton today. With the In-Season Tournament runner-up seen as the league's new rising playmaker, Young's dominance flies under the radar. Did you know Young dropped at least 30 points and 10 assists in seven straight games this season? No, but you most likely saw posts about Haliburton's impressive 20 & 20 game.

December was arguably the best stretch of Young's career. He recorded 30.4 PPG and 12.2 APG. You have to go back to the preseason to find a game where he finished with fewer than seven assists. All while NBA fans outside of Atlanta aren't paying attention. Those same critics labeled him inefficient after a few rough outings in playoff losses. But conveniently, they didn't notice his 47.5/42.2/84.4 shooting splits last month.

People say, "New year, new me." But Young's carried his end-of-year momentum into 2024. Last Wednesday, he put on a playmaking clinic against Oklahoma City's top-five defense. He finished with an efficient 24 points and 11 dimes. The victorious performance included a sweet lob pass to teammate Onyeka Okongwu to go up 16 in the fourth quarter.

If there were ever a perfect NFL & NBA comparison, it would be that Trae Young is the Kyler Murray of the NBA. The two climbed to the top of their positional rankings before poor team success buried them from the public eye. Fortunately, Young can retake some lost national spotlight tonight in a matchup against Haliburton. An incredible night from Young would make fans rethink their view of him.

The post Trae Young Is The Kyler Murray Of The NBA appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

The 2nd seed Boston Celtics (57-25, 25-16 Away) will play the 7th seed, Atlanta Hawks (41-41, 24-17 Home)?tonight in Game 6 of the NBA Playoffs First Round. The Atlanta Hawks fought their way back to secure the win 119-117 in Game 5, and with the facing elimination, they will look to get a win at Home. These two teams will play tonight at 8:30 PM EDT, at State Farm Arena, located in Atlanta, Georgia. The matchup will air on TNT. If you are looking for the best betting odds, here is information to know:

Betting Odds, Money Line, Spread, Over/Under

*All lines are taken from Draft Kings*

Money Line:

Celtics: -280
Hawks: +235

Over/Under: 231

Celtics: -110
Hawks: -110

Spread:

Celtics: -7 (-110)
Hawks: +7 (-110)

Playoff Matchup

Celtics up 3-2 vs. The Hawks.

Game 1: Celtics Defeated the Hawks 112-99.

Betting Odds: Boston (-10), Over/Under 231.5.
Betting Results: Celtics Money Line, Celtics -10, UNDER.

Game 2: Celtics Defeated the Hawks 119-106

Betting Odds: Boston (-10), Over/Under 231.5.
Betting Results: Celtics Money Line, Celtics -10, UNDER.

Game 3: Hawks Defeated the Celtics 130-122.

Betting Odds: Boston (-5.5), Over/Under 229.5.
Betting Results: Hawks Money Line, Hawks -5.5, OVER.

Game 4: Celtics Defeated the Hawks 129-121

Betting Odds: Boston (-7), Over/Under 231.
Betting Results: Celtics Money Line, Celtics -7, OVER.

Game 5: Hawks Defeated the Celtics 119-117

Betting Odds: Boston (-13), Over/Under 231.
Betting Results: Hawks Money Line, Hawks +13, OVER.

Game 4

The Boston Celtics had everything in their favor Game 4. Celtics were at home, and the Hawks were without star Dejounte Murray, due to a one game suspension. Although Boston commanded a 2nd Quarter lead, the Hawks outscored Boston in the final quarter, 37-25. Not only did Trae Young have 38 Points, Young took 33 shots. In addition, John Collins stepped up nicely with 22 Points, and shot 4-9 from the Three.

The Celtics showed signs of what happened in last year’s NBA playoffs. Jayson Tatum struggled, and shot 1-10 from the Three, and 8-21 from the field. Although Jaylen Brown had 35 Points, this Celtics team often played one on one, versus playing as a team. Overall, The Hawks shot more efficient from the Field, the Three-Point, even though they were outrebounded by the Celtics, and dominated inside the paint. It was an incredible effort by the Hawks, especially in the 4th quarter.

Season Matchup

Celtics 3-0 vs. Hawks this season.

Game 1: Celtics 126 -Atlanta 101 (Atlanta Home).

Betting Odds: Money Line Even, Over/Under 234.5.
Betting Results: Celtics Money Line, Celtics -25, UNDER.

Game Summary:

Although they were without guards Malcom Brogdon and Marcus Smart, Boston Outrebounded 49-45, and simply outshot the Atlanta Hawks. The Celtics shot 54.5 percent from the field, and 45.6 percent from the field. Much like Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs, Atlanta shot only 21.9 percent from the Three, and 41.6 Percent from the field. The Hawks also had 18 turnovers, and more points in the Paint. The Celtics showed how they are so dangerous, and how much depth they had. They had 7 players in points in double-digits, and their bench put up 44 points. It’s important to note, Boston got a win on the road at State Farm Arena.

Game 2: Celtics 134- Hawks 125 (Atlanta Home)

Betting Odds: Boston (-10), Over/Under 230.5.
Betting Results: Celtics ML, Hawks +10, OVER.

Game Summary:

The Celtics had Marcus Smart for this game, however, he was ejected. Once again, Boston had 6 players in double-digit Points, and Jayson Tatum lead the way with 34 Points, 1 Block, 5 Assists, 15 Rebounds, and 5-14 from the Three. The Celtics shot 54.7 Percent from the field, and 47.6 Percent from the Three. Atlanta improved their shooting, going 50 percent from the field, and 29.4 percent from the three. Although Atlanta outrebounded Boston 48-40, and had more points in the paint, Boston simply shot better, had more points off turnovers, and fast break points. Much like the Celtics, Atlanta had 7 players who scored points in double-digits. Trae Young led the way with 35 Points, 13 Assists, and shot 4-11 from the three. Much like their first matchup, the Celtics got the win on the road.

Game 3: Celtics 120- Atlanta 114

Betting Odds: Miami (-4.5), Over/Under 224.5.
Betting Results: Celtics Money Line, Celtics -4.5, OVER.

Game Summary:

Once again, Boston came out with the win and the season sweep as the NBA betting lines predicted earlier this year. Boston was without most of their starters, except Derrick White, and The Hawks were without all their starters except De’Andre Hunter. Payton Prichard led the way for the Celtics, adding 30 Points, 11 Assists, and 14 Rebounds for a Triple- Double. Mike Muscala added 27 points on 4-7 Three Point shooting, and Sam Hauser scored 26 Points. On the Hawks side, they had 6 players who scored points in double-digits. Overall, Boston shot 47.2 percent from the field and 46 percent from the Three. Atlanta shot an underwhelming 28.2 percent from the three, and 45 percent from the field. Although the Hawks outrebounded the Celtics, and had more points in the paint 60-30, The Celtics shot better, and had more points off turnovers.

Injury Report

Atlanta Hawks

None

Boston Celtics

PF Danilo Gallinari (OUT) Knee.

Key Stats-Playoffs

?Atlanta averages 115 points per game.

?Boston averages 119.8 points per game.

?Atlanta ranks 14th in points allowed with 112 opponents points per game.

?Boston ranks 9th in points allowed with 115 opponents points per game.

?Atlanta ranks 10th in rebounds per game with 43.6.

?Boston ranks 8th in rebounds per game with 44.6.

?Atlanta ranks 11th in point differential at -4.7.

?Boston ranks 6th in point differential at + 4.7.

?Atlanta ranks 7th in blocked shots with 4.4 per game.

?Boston ranks 2nd in blocked shots with 6.6 per game.

?Atlanta averages 36.5 percent from the 3-point, while Boston averages 40.1 from the 3-point.

Key Stats-Regular Season

?Atlanta averages 118.4 points per game (3rd in the NBA).

?Boston averages 117.9 points per game (4th in the NBA).

?Atlanta ranks 26th in points allowed with 118.1 opponents points per game.

?Boston ranks 5th in points allowed with 111.4 opponents points per game.

?Atlanta ranks 10th in rebounds per game with 44.4.

?Boston ranks 7th in rebounds per game with 45.3.

?Atlanta ranks 18th in point differential at + 0.2.

?Boston ranks 1st in point differential at +6.5.

?Atlanta ranks 12th in blocked shots with 4.9 per game.

?Boston ranks 6th in blocked shots with 5.2 per game.

?Atlanta averages 35.2 percent from the 3-point, while Boston averages 37.7 percent?from the 3-point.

LAST 10 GAMES + GAME PREDICTION

SPREAD: Boston -7

-Atlanta covered the spread in 5 of their last 10 games.

-Boston covered the spread in 7 of their last 10 games.

-Atlanta has a 39-48-1 record ATS this season.

-Boston has a 49-38-0 record ATS this season.

-Boston 23-20-0 in AWAY games ATS this season.

-Atlanta is 19-24-0 in HOME games ATS this season.

MONEY LINE: BOSTON

-Atlanta won the Money Line 5 out of their last 10 games.

-Boston won the Money Line 7 of their last 10 games.

OVER/UNDER: OVER

-Atlanta Avg +/- vs O/U Line: +3.06.

-Boston Avg +/- vs O/U Line: +1.64.

-Atlanta Overall O/U Record: 50-38-0.

-Boston Overall O/U Record: 45-40-2.

-Atlanta hit the UNDER 5 times in their last 10 games.

-Boston hit the OVER 7 times in their last 10 games.

For More Betting Info & Game Predictions, Follow us at @BallislifeBets.

Sara Jane is a full-time content creator, focusing on both college basketball, the NBA, NFL, and writer of www.ebooksnet.com. Don’t forget to follow her on Twitter and Twitch: @GGirlSports

The post GAME OF THE DAY: Hawks vs. Celtics: Betting Odds & Stats: NBA Playoffs. appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.

The 2nd seed Boston Celtics (57-25, 32-9 Home) will play the 7th seed, Atlanta Hawks (41-41, 17-24 Away) tonight in Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs First Round. The Boston Celtics won the first game, 112-99, and are looking to take a 2-0 lead against Atlanta. These two teams will play tonight at 7 PM EDT, at the TD Garden, located in Boston, Massachusetts. The matchup will air on NBATV, NBC Sports Boston. If you are looking for the best betting odds and stats, here is information to know:

Betting Odds, Money Line, Spread, Over/Under:

*All lines are taken from Draft Kings*

Money Line

Hawks: +410
Celtics: -520

Over/Under: 230.5

Hawks: -110
Celtics: -110

Spread:

Hawks: +10.5(-110)
Celtics: -10.5(-110)

Playoff Matchup:

Celtics up 1-0 vs. The Hawks.

Game 1: Celtics Defeated Hawks 112-99.

Betting Odds: Boston (-10), Over/Under 231.5.
Betting Results: Celtics Money Line, Celtics -10, UNDER.

Game Summary:

Hand tape and all, Jaylen Browns hand injury didn’t seem to be a problem this game. After missing the last few regular season games, Brown led the Celtics with 29 Points, 1 Steal, 12 Rebounds, and shot 12-23 from the field. Boston outscored Atlanta 29-19 in the first quarter and exploded in the second quarter 45-25. Additionally, star Jayson Tatum scored 21 Points in the first half of the game and grabbed 11 rebounds.

Although Boston’s bench only scored 17, all five of their starters played 32 minutes and above. In fact, Jayson Tatum, Marcus Smart, Derrick White, and Jaylen Brown all scored points in double-digits. Boston shot 39.4 percent from the Three, 83 percent from the line, and 47.7 percent from the field. They also outrebounded the Hawks 58-45, especially on the defensive end, and scored more points off turnovers.

The Atlanta Hawks did not have a good shooting day in Game 1. The Hawks struggled beyond the arc and shot 17 percent, and the Celtics held them to 38.8 percent from the field. Atlanta did an excellent job of keeping up with the Celtics in the paint and were once down 32 points. The Hawks outscored Boston 31-20 in the third quarter, 24-18 in the fourth quarter, and closed the gap to 13 by the end of the game. Although Boston had more turnovers, the Hawks were not able to capitalize on them. In fact, they had only 12 points off turnovers. Although Dejounte Murray added 24 points, both him and star Trae Young struggled with their shots. Between the two of them, they shot 1-11 from the three, and 15-43 from the Field. The Hawks bench put up 24 points, however, if they want to win game 2, they must hit their shots, and capitalize off Boston’s Turnovers.

Season Matchup

Celtics 3-0 vs. Hawks this season.

Game 1: Celtics 126 -Atlanta 101 (Atlanta Home).

Betting Odds: Money Line Even, Over/Under 234.5.
Betting Results: Celtics Money Line, Celtics -25, UNDER.

Game Summary:

Although they were without guards Malcom Brogdon and Marcus Smart, Boston Outrebounded 49-45, and simply outshot the Atlanta Hawks. The Celtics additionally shot 54.5 percent from the field, and 45.6 percent from the field. Much like Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs, Atlanta shot only 21.9 percent from the Three, and 41.6 Percent from the field. The Hawks also had 18 turnovers, and more points in the Paint. The Celtics showed how they are so dangerous, and how much depth they had. They had 7 players in points in double-digits, and their bench put up 44 points. It’s important to note, Boston got a win on the road at State Farm Arena.

Game 2: Celtics 134- Hawks 125 (Atlanta Home).

Betting Odds: Boston (-10), Over/Under 230.5.
Betting Results: Celtics ML, Hawks +10, OVER.

Game Summary:

The Celtics had Marcus Smart for this game, however, he was ejected. Once again, Boston had 6 players in double-digit Points, and Jayson Tatum lead the way with 34 Points, 1 Block, 5 Assists, 15 Rebounds, and 5-14 from the Three. Furthermore, The Celtics shot 54.7 Percent from the field, and 47.6 Percent from the Three. Atlanta improved their shooting, putting up 50 percent from the field, and 29.4 percent from the three.

Although Atlanta outrebounded Boston 48-40, and had more points in the paint, Boston simply shot better, had more points off turnovers, and fast break points. Much like the Celtics, Atlanta had 7 players who scored points in double-digits. Trae Young led the way with 35 Points, 13 Assists, and shot 4-11 from the three. Much like their first matchup, the Celtics got the win on the road.

Game 3: Celtics 120- Atlanta 114 (Boston Home).

Betting Odds: Miami (-4.5), Over/Under 224.5.
Betting Results: Celtics Money Line, Celtics -4.5, OVER.

Game Summary:

Once again, Boston came out with the win and the season sweep. Boston was without most of their starters, except Derrick White, and The Hawks were without all their starters except De’Andre Hunter. Payton Prichard led the way for the Celtics, adding 30 Points, 11 Assists, and 14 Rebounds for a Triple- Double. Mike Muscala added 27 points on 4-7 Three Point shooting, and Sam Hauser scored 26 Points. On the Hawks side, they had 6 players who scored points in double-digits.

Overall, Boston shot 47.2 percent from the field and 46 percent from the Three. Atlanta shot an underwhelming 28.2 percent from the three, and 45 percent from the field. Although the Hawks outrebounded the Celtics, and had more points in the paint 60-30, The Celtics shot better, and had more points off turnovers.

Injury Report:

Atlanta Hawks

None

Boston Celtics

PF Danilo Gallinari (OUT) Knee.

Key Players:

Atlanta Hawks

Trae Young:

There have been trade rumors surrounding Trae Young all week. However, he remains the top producer and scorer for this team.? Trae Young averaged 24.9 Points, 1.1 Steals, 9.6 Assists, and shot 34.2 percent from the Three on the road this season.? Young averaged 31 Points, 11 Assists, 4 Rebounds, and shot 33 percent from the Three, and 44 percent from the Field in 2 games against the Celtics in the Regular Season.

Young struggled in Game 1, along with the rest of the team. Trae scored 16 points on 20 percent Three-point shooting, and 27.8 percent from the field. Additionally, He added 8 Assists, 2 Steals and 3 Rebounds. If the Hawks want to keep up with the Celtics, they will need Trae to score double what he did in Game 1 and shoot the ball better.

Dejounte Murray:

Dejounte Murray was acquired from the San Antonio Spurs to take some pressure off All-Star Trae Young. Murray averaged 20.9 Points, 1.4 Steals, 5.9 Assists, 5.1 Rebounds, and shot 36.2 percent from Three on the road this season.

In 2 games against Boston in the regular season, Murray averaged 16.5 Points, 2 Steals, 4.5 Assists, and shot 16 percent from the Three. In Game 1 of the Playoffs, Dejounte Murray put up 24 Points, 3 Steals, 6 Assists, 8 Rebounds, and shot 40 percent from the field, and 0 percent from the three.

Boston Celtics

Jayson Tatum:

?Jayson Tatum is the heart of this team, and one of the best players in the NBA. Tatum averaged 31.7 Points, 1.2 Steals, 4.3 Assists, 8.8 Rebounds, and shot 48.4 percent from the Field, and 35.8 Percent from the Three in Home Games this year.

In 2 games against the Atlanta Hawks in the regular season, Jayson Tatum averaged 26.5 Points, 1 Block, 1 Rebounds, and shot 33.3 Percent from downtown, and 41 percent from the field. In Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs, Tatum added 25 Points, 11 Rebounds, and shot 42.9 Percent from the Three, and 43.5 Percent from the Field. Although Tatum can struggle from the three at times, I fully expect him to have a big Game 2.

Jaylen Brown:

Going into the playoffs, no one knew the status of Brown after he cut his hand and had it tapped. Jaylen Brown averaged 26.7 Points, 1.1 Steals, 6.8 Rebounds, and shot 48.8 Percent from the field at Home Games.

Brown continued his dominance against the Hawks. Jaylen exploded for 29 points, 1 Steal, 12 Rebounds, 3 Assists, and shot 33.3 percent from the Three, and 52 percent from the Field in Game 1. In addition, he shot 100 percent from the free-throw line. In 2 regular season games against Atlanta, Brown averaged 23 Points, 2 Steals, 5 Rebounds, and 57 percent from the field. It’s important to note, Jaylen Brown averaged only 18.2 percent from downtown in those two games.

Derrick White and Marcus Smart:

Marcus Smart is also the heart and soul of Boston, and both him and Derrick White are excellent defensive guards. In Home games this season, Derrick White averaged 12.5 Points, 3.8 Rebounds, and shot 37.8 Percent beyond the arc. White stepped up big in Game 1, erupting for 24 Points, 2 Blocks, 7 Assists, 5 Rebounds, and shot 57.1 from the Three, and 53.8 Percent from the Three.

Marcus Smart averages 11.6 Points, 1.7 Steals, 6.5 Assists, and shot 36.7 from downtown in Home Games this season. In Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs, Smart shot 50 percent from the Three, added 3 Steals, 2 Blocks, and 7 Rebounds and Assists. These two players play with a lot of tenacity and can be difference makers on the defensive and offensive side of the court.

Key Stats-Playoffs:

?Atlanta averages 99 Points Per Game.

?Boston averages 112 Points Per Game.

?Atlanta ranks 9th in points allowed with 112 opponents points per game.

?Boston ranks 4th in points allowed with 99 opponents points per game.

?Atlanta ranks 7th in Rebounds Per Game with 45.

?Boston ranks 1st in rebounds per game with 58.

?Atlanta ranks 12th in Point Differential at -13.

?Boston ranks 4th in Point Differential at +13.0.

?Atlanta ranks 7th in Blocked Shots with 4 per game.

?Boston ranks 3rd in Blocked Shots with 7 per game.

?Atlanta averages 17.4 percent from the 3-point, while Boston averages 39.4 from the 3-point.

Key Stats-Regular Season:

?Atlanta averages 118.4 Points Per Game (3rd in the NBA).

?Boston averages 117.9 Points Per Game (4th in the NBA).

?Atlanta ranks 26th in Points Allowed with 118.1 opponents points per game.

?Boston ranks 5th in Points Allowed with 111.4 opponents points per game.

?Atlanta ranks 10th in Rebounds Per Game with 44.4.

?Boston ranks 7th in Rebounds Per Game with 45.3.

?Atlanta ranks 18th in Point Differential at + 0.2.

?Boston ranks 1st in Point Differential at +6.5.

?Atlanta ranks 12th in Blocked Shots with 4.9 per game.

?Boston ranks 6th in Blocked Shots with 5.2 per game.

?Atlanta averages 35.2 percent from the 3-point, while Boston averages 37.7 from the 3-point.

LAST 10 GAMES + GAME PREDICTION:

SPREAD: Atlanta Hawks +10.5

-Atlanta covered the spread in 3 of their last 10 games.

-Boston covered the spread in 8 of their last 10 games.

-Atlanta has a 37-46-1 record ATS this season.

-Boston has a 47-36-0 record ATS this season.

-Boston 25-17-0 in HOME games ATS this season.

-Atlanta is 19-23-1 in AWAY games ATS this season.

Although Atlanta only covered in 3 of their last 10 games, 10.5 seems high to me. Trae Young and Murray both struggled shooting wise, and I expect them to step it up. They outscored the Celtics in the 3rd and 4th Quarter. Give me Atlanta to cover +10.5

MONEY LINE: Celtics Money Line.

-Atlanta won the Money Line 5 out of their last 10 games.

-Boston won the Money Line 8 of their last 10 games.

It almost felt the Celtics didn’t have to fight much in the second half of last game. This Boston team is very good, and they have a team that has team chemistry and playoff experience. Give me the Boston Money line.

OVER/UNDER: OVER.

-Atlanta Avg +/- vs O/U Line: + 2.71

-Boston Avg +/- vs O/U Line: +1.21

-Atlanta Overall O/U Record: 47-37-0

-Boston Overall O/U Record: 42-39-2

-Atlanta hit the UNDER 5 times in their last 10 games

-Boston hit the OVER 5 times in their last 10 games

Atlanta shot bad last game, and I don’t expect them to shoot 17 percent from the Three- Point again. Although Boston is in the top 10 in defense, I still like the over here.

For More Betting Info & NBA Game Predictions, Follow us at @BallislifeBets

Sara Jane is a full-time content creator, focusing on both college basketball, the NBA, NFL, and writer of www.ebooksnet.com. Don’t forget to follow her on Twitter: @GGirlSports and Twitch/YouTube/TikTok/ IG- GGirlSports.

The post GAME OF THE DAY: Hawks vs. Celtics: Betting Odds: NBA Playoffs First Round. appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.