The Milwaukee Bucks host the Boston Celtics in an NBA betting matchup between teams moving in opposite directions. Boston struggling and Milwaukee, which is currently a 6-point favorite, is playing its best basketball of the year.
Will Boston find a way to turn things around Fiserv Forum? Keep reading our free Celtics vs. Bucks picks and predictions to find out, which tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.
Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks betting preview
Injuries
Celtics: Jayson Tatum F (Probable), Tristan Thompson C (Out)
Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo F (Questionable), P.J. Tucker F (Probable), Bryn Forbes G (Questionable), Rodions Kurucs F (Out).
Find our latest NBA injury reports.
Betting trend to know
The Bucks are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games against teams with losing road records. Find more NBA betting trends for Celtics vs. Bucks.
NBA sharp money and line movement report
By Patrick EversonMilwaukee hit PointsBet USA's odds board as a 3.5-point favorite and is nearly double that as of 5 p.m. ET, moving out to -6.5. Point-spread betting splits are interesting, to say the least: Milwaukee is getting 68 percent of tickets, but Boston is landing 69 percent of money. The total is up a point to 230.5, with the Over netting 69 percent of bets/79 percent of dollars.
Check out the full line movement for this gameAgainst the spread (ATS) pick
The Bucks have won five of their last six games by at least six points, and they now face a Celtics team that is in a really bad way at the moment. The Celtics have lost five of their last seven contests, with three of the last four coming against the Cavaliers, Kings and Grizzlies.
This Boston team was once full of promise, but it now seems as though Danny Ainge is going to need to make a big change in order to unlock its potential. It’ll take either that or a key change in the rotation. Perhaps Brad Stevens will up Robert Williams’ minutes? The big man has been impressive in limited action this season, but he is yet to be completely unleashed.
Still, until the Celtics start to show signs of life, it’s hard to imagine them keeping things tight against a team like the Bucks. Milwaukee is firing on all cylinders right now, as the team just beat Indiana by 27—and Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t play in that game, as he is dealing with some knee soreness.
However, if the Bucks can handle their business against the Pacers without him, they can likely do the same against the Cs. Also, newly-acquired P.J. Tucker hurt his ankle against the Pacers, which meant he was only able to play 12 minutes in that game. Tucker is probable to play in this one, though, and more minutes from him is only going to make Milwaukee stronger on the defensive end.
Keep an eye on the Giannis situation, as nobody will blame you for laying off if he doesn’t end up giving it a go. But Milwaukee seems like the right side, whether or not the superstar plays.
PREDICTION: Bucks -6.0 (-115)
Over/Under pick
Unless the Celtics swing a deal that makes them significantly better, this team is going to continue to struggle defensively. Boston is tied for 21st in the league in defensive rating this year, which is a huge drop from last season when the Celtics were fourth in the NBA on that end of the floor.
Now, Stevens’ team is facing a Bucks club that is second in the league in offensive rating. The Bucks have scored 260 points over their last two games, and they should be able to put up a big number in this one, even if Giannis ends up sitting out.
PREDICTION: Over 230.0 (-110)
Player prop pick
In Milwaukee’s blowout win over Indiana, Jrue Holiday had 28 points and 14 assists in 30 minutes of action. That was a season-high for Holiday, who looked more comfortable than ever in a Bucks uniform.
Having free reign to play without Giannis probably had something to do with that, but his confidence should be through the roof either way. Look for him to keep it rolling against a Celtics team that can’t stop anybody right now. And if Giannis does sit out, this one will look even better than it does now.
PREDICTION: Jrue Holiday Over 18.5 points (-103)
Celtics vs Bucks betting card
- Bucks -6.0 (-110)
- Over 230.0 (-110)
- Jrue Holiday Over 18.5 points (-103)
Did you know that if you parlayed today’s NBA Celtics vs. Bucks picks, you could win $61.83 on a $10 bet?
Use our NBA parlay calculator to create your own parlays and see their potential payouts.
Where can I bet on the NBA?
You can bet on NBA odds at every online and casino sportsbook, including NBA moneylines, spreads, Over/Under totals, and a ton of NBA prop odds. Head over to our best sportsbooks for NBA betting in your area.