Game 5 is going to be tough

[Bosstown]

The Hawks were embarrassed on national TV, they are going to come out and play hard. I do not expect this to be easy, Joe Johnson might have one of those nights.

[angryguy77]

I don't expect us to win tonight. I'm already having visions of Boston approaching this game with the mentality of "we'll close it out at home". I hope I'm wrong.

[thestackshow]

Hawks are the most mentally weak team in the playoffs, I expect us to blow them out tonight.

[Lucky17]

Sounds like Larry Drew is switching up their starting lineup a bit.

With the Hawks at home, coupled with the embarrassment of Game Four and the sense of desperation an elimination game brings, I expect this one to be a really tough game for the Celtics.

[mqtcelticsfan]

I definitely see this one coming down to the final seconds. After game 3, I kind of expected a blowout in game 4 and a loss tonight, followed by a pretty easy win in game 6.

[Dr H]

I think in tonight's game ATL will get out to an early lead, then the C's will make a comeback at the end of the game only for them to fall short and lose. In other words, sort of like Game 1..although hopefully our guys come out swinging this time.

[nickagneta]

C's win!! C's Win!! C's Win!!

[Donoghus]

My inclination is to say that things will go to the wire tonight but would sure love to see the Hawks just rollover tonight.

[Celts Fan 92]

yea it wont be easy since its on da road nd Atlanta seems to hit ridiculous shots at their place but lookin at Joe Johnsons quotes earlier idk if they recovered from sundays loss

[CelticSooner]

As long as the C's don't let ATL jump out to a big lead I think they'll pull away in the second half to close it out.

[jimmehx]

The Hawks were embarrassed on national TV, they are going to come out and play hard. I do not expect this to be easy, Joe Johnson might have one of those nights.

Problem with JJ is that if he doesn't have "one of those nights" he'll go for 9 and be a total non-factor. If he's not hitting jumpers he just doesnt contribute.

[Kane3387]

I think in tonight's game ATL will get out to an early lead, then the C's will make a comeback at the end of the game only for them to fall short and lose. In other words, sort of like Game 1..although hopefully our guys come out swinging this time.

Disagree. I see this like the Dallas and OKC series. I don't think Atlanta wants to travel back to Boston. I think they make it close but we pull it out in the end. So basically game 2 again.

[j804]

why couldn't this just be posted in the game thread? lol

[droopdog7]

For whatever reason, I think the Celts win tonight.  ATL will certainly fight, and be in the game for much of it, but they will wilt in the 4t.  The Celts win by double digits.

[dark_lord]

celts have to come out gangbusters from the get-go to kill the hawks potential morale.  like tommy would say....now that they are lying on the ground, step on their neck