NBA Daily Picks For March 28, 2024: Celtics Want Revenge Against Hawks

Fadeaway World went 7-5 on its predictions for last night's mammoth 12-game slate. This brings our season record to 374-202, a 64.9% accuracy rate for the season. The NBA is reducing the action on offer on Thursday night, with just two games taking place over the evening. 

The Boston Celtics will be hoping to get their revenge on the Atlanta Hawks after a shocking loss earlier this week where the Celtics blew a 30-point lead in the second quarter. Two playoff teams face each other after that, as the Milwaukee Bucks take on the New Orleans Pelicans.

Let's take a look at our expert picks and predictions for what should be two entertaining games.

Boston Celtics At Atlanta Hawks - 7:30 PM EST

Celtics Last 10 Games: 9-1

Hawks Last 10 Games: 5-5

Celtics Injuries: Jaden Springer - Day To Day (Knee), Xavier Tillman - Day To Day (Knee), Al Horford - Day To Day (Toe), Jrue Holiday - Out (Shoulder)

Hawks Injuries: Trae Young - Out (Finger), Onyeka Okongwu - Out (Toe), Mohammed Gueye - Out (Knee), Kobe Bufkin - Out (Toe), AJ Griffin - Out (Ankle), Jalen Johnson - Out (Ankle), Saddiq Bey - Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Celtics Lead 3-2

The Boston Celtics (57-15) will be eager to stamp their authority on this matchup after their shocking collapse on Monday night. The Celtics were without Derrick White and Jrue Holiday, blowing a 30-point lead in a 118-120 loss to the Hawks. Jayson Tatum will be looking to prove a point with a revenge win to send a statement to the rest of the NBA. 

The Atlanta Hawks (33-39) pulled off a season-defining win over the Celtics last time out. They'll be eager to prove that it wasn't a fluke win without Trae Young, as the post-injury Hawks have had spells where they look extremely competitive. The team effort sunk the Celtics last time, but it's hard to trust the Hawks to replicate the 50.0% from three they shot from the last game this time around.

Prediction: Celtics def. Hawks 126-103

Milwaukee Bucks At New Orleans Pelicans - 8:00 PM EST

Bucks Last 10 Games: 9-1

Pelicans Last 10 Games: 5-5

Bucks Injuries: Giannis Antetokounmpo - Day To Day (Hamstring), Patrick Beverley - Day To Day (Wrist), MarJon Beauchamp - Day To Day (Back), Khris Middleton - Day To Day (Ankle)

Pelicans Injuries: Jose Alvarado - Day To Day (Hip), Brandon Ingram - Out (Knee), Dyson Daniels - Out (Knee)

Last 5 Meetings: Bucks Lead 4-1

The Milwaukee Bucks (46-26) are coming off a deflating 2OT loss at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers, in a game where LA was without LeBron James. They continue their West Coast road trip with one of the trickiest matchups in the NBA right now. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and co. will be hoping that they can pick up a win and strengthen their grip on the No. 2 seed.

The New Orleans Pelicans (44-28) are hoping to secure home court for the playoffs and need this win to continue their push for the No. 4 seed in the West. They've been one of the most in-form teams in the NBA since January and will be leaning on Zion Williamson and C.J. McCollum to propel the team past the fatigued Bucks. If Trey Murphy III or Herb Jones have a positive shooting night, the Bucks likely will be left without answers.

Prediction: Pelicans def. Bucks 126-103