Jalen Johnson is in the midst of a career-best campaign through the early stages of his 2024-2025 season, averaging 19.1 points, 10.0 rebounds and 4.9 assists. The 22-year-old Atlanta Hawks forward is an early favorite to win Most Improved Player, too, with +600 odds to bring home the award on DraftKings Sportsbook.
When the Hawks face the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night, Johnson will be in line for an even larger role with Trae Young (Achilles) and De’Andre Hunter (personal) both ruled out for that contest. The stakes are elevated, too, with it being the opening game of both teams’ Emirates NBA Cup slates.
Betting lines for Hawks at Celtics
While player props for the Hawks/Celtics matchup are not available yet, bettors can begin preparing their strategy for the Eastern Conference clash.
The spread lists the 4-7 Hawks as 15-point underdogs, a line which sits at -110 odds. They’re severely outmatched, especially without Young in the lineup, against a vastly superior opponent with title hopes. The game total also sits at 234.5, one of the highest lines on the slate.
When it comes to individual player props, Johnson will have the opportunity for a very high workload when he takes on the Celtics. Expect the ball to be in the fourth-year forward’s hands throughout the night, and despite facing an imposing defense, he’ll have plenty of scoring opportunities in a featured role.
His points line is set at O/U 22.5. The over sits at -105, while the under is available at -125. The high usage rate Johnson is likely to see should negate the extra defensive attention. If he takes most of the shots for Atlanta tonight, he could very well hit the over.
A couple of other lines which may hold appeal are rebounds, as well as a PTS + REB combo line. Johnson has crashed the boards at a high level this season, especially for a 6-foot-9 forward.
Johnson’s rebounding O/U line is set at 8.5, with the over at -142 and the under at +110 odds. As for his PTS + REB combo, the line is set at 31.5 with -115 odds for both the over and the under.
For those who expect him to grab plenty of rebounds, consider taking Johnson at -110 odds to record a double-double, as well.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
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