A position-by-position look at who has the edge in the Hawks-Celtics series:

Power forward — EDGE Celtics

Josh Smith vs. Kevin Garnett

Josh Smith is the only player on the Hawks' roster capable of playing Garnett straight up, and he's going to have his hands full the entire series. Garnett's as good as anyone in the league on offense and defense — and he's taller than Smith.

Small forward — EDGE Celtics

Marvin Williams vs. Paul Pierce

Williams has the toughest task of any Hawks player. Pierce is unstoppable on offense, capable of playing inside or out. And Williams can't expect any double-team help against him, not in the playoffs.

Center — EDGE Hawks

Al Horford vs. Kendrick Perkins

Horford has a slight advantage here over Perkins, who certainly benefits from playing alongside Garnett and Pierce. But Horford is much more dynamic on offense and a better rebounder. The only worry for the Hawks is the depth behind their rookie of the year candidate.

Shooting guard — EDGE Hawks

Joe Johnson vs. Ray Allen

Both are All-Stars and both are among the league's best scorers. But dealing with Johnson three times a year is much different than trying to match up with him in a series, where his size and ability to pass the ball make him much more dangerous for Allen than would be a more one-dimensional player.

Point guard — EDGE Hawks

Mike Bibby vs. Rajon Rondo

Rondo has improved dramatically since his rookie season, but Bibby has 51 games of big-game playoff experience to draw on. He has taken and made huge shots in playoff series before. And he's far more prepared for the raised intensity level that accompanies the postseason than Rondo, who is still finishing his first season as a NBA starter.

The bench — EDGE Celtics

Josh Childress and Co. vs.

Sam Cassell and Co.

This isn't even close. The Celtics' bench has more combined playoff experience than the Hawks' entire roster. There is just too much versatility, depth and seasoning for the Hawks to have any chance of competing when both teams go to the bench.

Coaching — EDGE Celtics

Mike Woodson vs. Doc Rivers

Woodson's been to the postseason before, but never as a head coach. Rivers has never won a series as a head coach, but he's been there before. And there's something to be said for any coach that guides his team to a 66-win season, regardless of who is on his roster.

A look at the three games the Celtics and Hawks played this season, all won by Boston.

Celtics 106, Hawks 83

Nov. 9, 2007 at Boston

The first preview of the first-round playoff matchup came just five games into the season. Kevin Garnett led the undefeated Celtics with a game-high 27 points and 19 rebounds. Paul Pierce added 23 points for the Celtics, who cruised after taking a 14-point halftime lead. The Celtics made 41 of 67 shots from the floor, a staggering 61.2 percent, and had 30 assists. Joe Johnson and Al Horford led the Hawks with 16 points apiece. Hawks coach Mike Woodson said the Hawks were "hit in the mouth and didn't respond."

Celtics 98, Hawks 88

March 2, 2008 at Boston

It was Paul Pierce's turn to lead the Boston Three Party, scoring a game-high 30 points, 25 in the second half. Kevin Garnett added 20 points and 16 rebounds. Josh Smith led the Hawks with 22 points, nine rebounds and three blocked shots. The Hawks actually led at halftime, 44-41. "They're a physical team and a defensive-minded team that's geared for the playoffs already," Smith said. "We battled them every step of the way. But with a team like that, you can't keep doing the same thing and expect it to keep working."

Celtics 99, Hawks 89

April 12, 2008 at Atlanta

While Kevin Garnett led the Celtics season sweep with 24 points, it was Sam Cassell did the Hawks in with 20 points — 12 in a closing 15-4 run. The Celtics built a big lead and then sat their entire starting unit as the Hawks came back before being rebuffed by Cassell. "I told our coaches at halftime that I think we have a better chance to win with our second unit," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "You could see in the third quarter that our starters' energy was low." Joe Johnson led the Hawks with 21 points and Al Horford added 17 points and 11 rebounds.