Match Day: Celtics Host Hawks for High-Stakes Eastern Conference Clash

Match Day: Celtics Host Hawks for HBCU Night at the Garden

It is a cold Wednesday in the city, but the action is heating up inside the TD Garden as the Boston Celtics prepare to host the Atlanta Hawks tonight, January 28, 2026. As the primary professional sporting event taking place within Boston city limits today, this Eastern Conference matchup is expected to draw a sell-out crowd to North Station. Tip-off is officially scheduled for 7:30 PM ET.

The Celtics enter tonight’s contest with a solid 29-17 record, looking to solidify their standing among the top tier of the conference. Meanwhile, the visiting Atlanta Hawks arrive in Boston with a 23-25 record, fighting to move back toward the .500 mark. Despite the difference in standings, oddsmakers have pegged this as a competitive game, with the Hawks entering as 6.5-point underdogs. Fans can expect a high-scoring affair, as early projections suggest an over/under of roughly 230.5 total points.

Tonight is also a significant cultural event for the organization as the Celtics celebrate "HBCU Night." This annual tradition honors the history and impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Fans attending the game can expect special performances, educational showcases, and community recognition throughout the evening, adding an extra layer of energy to the typical home-game atmosphere.

Key Game Details:

• Teams: Atlanta Hawks at Boston Celtics
• Venue: TD Garden, Boston, MA
• Tip-off: 7:30 PM ET
• Broadcast: NBC Sports Boston

While the Boston Bruins are currently in the midst of a brief gap in their home schedule—having played yesterday and scheduled to return to the Garden ice tomorrow against Philadelphia—the Celtics take center stage tonight. For those looking for other local action, the Boston University Terriers are also hosting an NCAA matchup at Case Gym, but for major professional league followers, the TD Garden is the place to be. Whether you are heading to the arena to celebrate HBCU Night or tuning in from home, tonight’s game promises to be the highlight of the mid-week sports calendar in Boston.