The Milwaukee Bucks (55-21, 30-7 Home) are the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference and are coming off a two-game win streak. They lost 4-3 against the Celtics in last year’s Eastern Conference Semis and are looking for redemption. The Boston Celtics (52-24, 24-15 Away) are coming off a road loss against the Wizards, after winning three straight. Both Milwaukee and Boston clinched playoff berths, and the Celtics are three games behind the Bucks in the Eastern Conference. With six games to go, these two teams are battling for King of the East. The Bucks and Celtics will play tonight at 7:30 EDT, located at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The matchup will air on TNT. If you are looking for the best betting odds, here is information to know:
Betting Odds, Money Line, Spread, Under/Over
*All lines are taken from Draft Kings*
Money Line
Bucks: -135
Celtics: +115
Over/Under: 237
Bucks: -110
Celtics: -110
Spread:
Bucks: -2 (-135)
Celtics: +2 (+115)
Season Matchup
Celtics Bucks tied 1-1 this season.
December 25th, 2022- Celtics Win 139-118 (Celtics Home)
Before the start of the game, the latest NBA lines were Boston -5, Over/Under 226.5.Boston secured the money line, the spread,and this game hit the OVER. Neither team had notable injuries to their major players. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum both showed why they are one of the best duos in the NBA. Tatum erupted for 41 points, and Brown added 29 points, 13 of which came in the final quarter. As a team, the Celtics shot an incredible 48.7 percent from the three-point line, in addition to 58.8 percent from the field. They outscored Milwaukee in the paint, 54-40, led in fast break points and assists.
The Celtics largest lead was 22, given the spread was Boston -5. Milwaukee shot well from the field, at 50 percent. However, they could not keep up with Boston, and shot 36 percent from the three-point range. The Bucks outrebounded the Celtics, however, they had a game high 15 turnovers. Giannis Antetokounmpo added 27 points. However, he struggled from the three-point, and finished only 9-22 from the field. In addition, Giannis added 9 rebounds, given Robert Williams was on minute restrictions. Jrue Holiday added in 23 points as well, to help Giannis. Although Boston outscore Milwaukee 36-28 in the first quarter, they broke away in the third quarter.
February 14th, 2023- Bucks win 131-125 in OT (Bucks Home)
Before the start of the game, the opening lines were Milwaukee -9.5, Over/Under 225.5. Milwaukee secured the money line, Boston covered the spread, and this game hit the OVER. Milwaukee did not have notable injuries for star players. However, Boston was without stars Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, and Al Horford. Derrick White added 27 points, on 10-24 shooting. However, he struggled from the three, shooting 3-12. White added 3 steals, 12 assists, and shot 100 percent from the free-throw line. Mike Muscala, Sam Hauser, Grant Williams, and Blake Griffin all added double-digits in points. Unlike the last matchup, Boston shot only 34 percent from the three-point, and was outrebounded 52-44, especially defensively. Milwaukee had a game high 19 turnovers, however, led in fast break points and field goal percentage.
Giannis Antetokounmpo had a monster game with 36 points, 2 blocks, and 13 total rebounds. Jrue Holiday put up all-star numbers with 40 points, 7 assists, on 8-12 three-point shooting. Khris Middleton added 16 off the bench.
With the Celtics core four out, many expected this game to be a blowout. Sam Houser has been a nice addition for Boston and tied the game with a three-pointer. The Bucks starters were all healthy and outscored the Celtics 15-9 in overtime to secure their 11th win straight.
Regular Season Recap
Milwaukee Bucks
Overall: 55-21 Home: 30-7, Away: 25-14 Last 10: 7-3
The Milwaukee Bucks are in the middle of another 50-win season. Giannis Antetokounmpo is having a fantastic year and is another NBA MVP candidate for the 2022-2023 season. He’s averaging a career high 31.2 points per game (5th in the league), 11.8 rebounds (3rd in the league), and shooting 55.3 percent from the field. Jrue Holiday was not only an all-star this year but is one of the best two-way players in the game. Holidays is averaging 19.4 points per game, 1.2 steals, 7.3 assists, and is shooting 38 percent from the three.
The Bucks had a season high 16 game win streak this season, and received forward Jae Crowder in the Kevin Durant trade, in return for George Hill, Serge Ibaka, Jordan Nwora, and 3 future second-round picks. Milwaukee ranks 7th in the league in points, and 1st in rebounds. Kris Middleton has struggled with injuries, only appearing in 30 games. However, Milwaukee has several role players to make up for it. Giannis “the Greek freak” continues to carry and be the face of this team. Guards Grayson Allen, and Jevon Carter are two guards who will have to step up if Middleton remains out. It’s important to note guard Jrue Holiday is coming off a career game against Indiana with 51 points scored. However, he’s been inconsistent before that.
Boston Celtics
Overall: 52-24 Home: 28-9, Away: 24-15 Last 10: 7-3
The Celtics have Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum, one of the NBA’s best duos in the league. Boston has two-way players, with Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown. When healthy, Robert Williams provides a nice defensive presence as well. Boston struggled post-all-star, having a .588-win record. Pre-All- Star, Boston had a .712-win percentage. They are a top 10 team in offense and defense, that can make a splash in this year’s post season. They have a solid frontcourt, with Al Horford and Robert Williams, and both Tatum and Brown are having career numbers. Jayson Tatum ranks 6th in the NBA in points per game with 30.1, and Jaylen Brown ranks 9th in the league with 26.8 points per game. Although Boston had a shaky post-All start break, they have depth with players such as Derrick White, Malcom Brogdon, Grant Williams, Sam Houser, and Mike Muscala.
Injury Report
Milwaukee Bucks
PF- Jae Crowder (Questionable)- Day- to- day
Boston Celtics
PG Payton Prichard (Questionable) Heel.
PF Danilo Gallinari (OUT) Achilles.
C Robert Williams (Questionable) Left Knee, Injury Management.
F Grant Williams (Questionable) Injury/Illness; Non-Covid.
Key Stats
• Milwaukee averages 117.2 points per game.
• Boston averages 118 points per game.
• Milwaukee ranks 12th in points allowed with 112.8 opponents points per game.
• Boston ranks 6th in points allowed with 112 opponents points per game.
• Milwaukee ranks 1st in rebounds per game with 48.9.
• Boston ranks 7th in rebounds per game with 45.2.
• Milwaukee ranks 4th in point differential at + 4.4.
• Boston ranks 1st in point differential at +6.0
• Milwaukee ranks 11th in blocked shots with 5.0 per game.
• Boston ranks 6th in blocked shots with 5.3 per game.
• Milwaukee averages 36.5 percent from the 3-point, while Boston averages 37.6 from the 3-point.
LAST 10 GAMES + GAME PREDICTION
SPREAD: Boston -2
-Milwaukee covered the spread in 6 of their last 10 games.
-Boston covered the spread in 6 of their last 10 games.
-Milwaukee has a 41-29-6 record ATS this season.
-Boston has a 41-35-0 record ATS this season.
-Milwaukee is 21-14-2 in HOME games ATS this season.
-Boston is 20-19-0 in AWAY games ATS this season.
Both Boston and Milwaukee are 7-3 in their last 10 games. In those 10, the Bucks lost to the Nuggets. However, they have wins over the Suns and the Kings. Boston has key wins against Kings, Portland. They’ve won against sub .500 teams, such as the Spurs, the Pacers, and Portland. I like Boston to cover here.
MONEY LINE: No Pick
-Milwaukee won the Money Line 7 out of their last 10 games
-Celtics won the Money Line 7 of their last 10 games.
OVER/UNDER- Over
-Milwaukee Avg +/- vs O/U Line: +2.67
-Boston Avg +/- vs O/U Line: +2.15
-Milwaukee Overall O/U Record: 38-38-0
-Boston O/U Record: 36-34-2
-Milwaukee hit the OVER 6 times in their last 10 games
-Boston is 5-5 Over/Under in their last 10 games
I like the over here. The are two of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, and two very good defensive teams. If Robert Williams cannot suit up, I expect Giannis to have a field day in the paint. The over hit on their first two matchups, and Middleton will suit up for tonight's game.
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Sara Jane is a full-time content creator, focusing on both college basketball, the NBA, NFL, and writer of Ballislife.com. Don’t forget to follow her on Twitter: @GGirlSports
