Celtics vs. Hawks: Game 5 TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

The Boston Celtics are taking on the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night in a game that has a lot riding on it.

The C's took a commanding 3-1 lead in the first-round series and are looking to close out Atlanta on the road to get some much-needed rest before the second round begins.

The Hawks will be doing everything they can to prevent an early exit and will fight tooth and nail to extend their season.

It won’t be easy for either team to come out victorious, so keep reading to find out what watch for in this exciting matchup.

Where: Philips Arena, Atlanta, Ga.

When: Tuesday, May 8 at 8:00 p.m. ET

Watch: TNT

Live Stream: NBA League Pass

Betting Line: Atlanta Hawks -1, Over/Under 174.5 (According to ScoresAndOdds.com)

Key Injuries (via StatFox)

Celtics: Paul Pierce – Probable (Knee)

Hawks: Zaza Pachulia – Questionable (Foot)

What They're Saying

Steve Bulpett of The Boston Herald found that the Celtics players are going to do their best to close things out in this game in order to get rested and healthy for Round 2.

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“We definitely want to try to finish the series out in Atlanta,” said Rajon Rondo. “We don’t want to come back here and play, because obviously we need our rest. But we know they’re not going to lay down, so we are going to go out there (and) it’s going to be a good fight.”

“Obviously any time you can get out of a series quicker, it’s beneficial to the team moving forward,” Ray Allen said. “Any time you have injuries where you can keep guys off their feet and you can really work on chemistry, timing and some things you want to do better offensively, it’s always a benefit.”

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Most Important Player to Watch: Rajon Rondo

The Celtics point guard has been going off.

Rondo is averaging 19.0 PPG, 13.0 APG, 7.0 RPG and 3.7 SPG while shooting 49 percent from the field and 50 percent from beyond the arc in three contests.

There is simply no one on the Hawks who has been able to stop him and he’s only gotten better now that the games matter more.

If Atlanta cannot contain Rondo in Game 5, they will be going home.

Key Matchup: Post Play

With Al Horford returning from an extended layoff and Josh Smith back on the floor in Game 4, Atlanta should have dominated the C’s thin front line.

Obviously, that did not happen and Boston completely shut them down on the defensive end.

Horford and Smith both played well, but they have to be much better against Kevin Garnett, an undersized Brandon Bass and reserves Ryan Hollins and Greg Stiemsma if they want to extend the series.

Prediction: Celtics 91, Hawks 85