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The Boston Celtics will take on the Milwaukee Bucks in a battle of Eastern Conference contenders. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Celtics-Bucks prediction and pick.
This game is crucial for both of these teams. The Celtics have utilized an incredible stretch of play in the second half of the season to claim the second seed in the conference, but they only have a half-game lead on the third seed. That third seed happens to be filled by the Bucks. The winner of this game will claim the second seed, and will likely hold onto it with only a few games left in the season. This should be an entertaining battle between two of the best teams in the NBA, so let's get into the pick.
Here are the Celtics-Bucks NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Celtics-Bucks Odds
Boston Celtics: +8.5 (-112)
Milwaukee Bucks: -8.5 (-108)
Over: 227.5 (-110)
Under: 227.5 (-110)
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Why The Celtics Could Cover The Spread
The Celtics are dealing with a couple of absences here, which is why the spread is so large in favor of Milwaukee. However, that may be a mistake by the bookmakers. Earlier in the season, Boston took on the Bucks without star shooting guard Jaylen Brown, and they managed to win that game in overtime. That game also took place far before the trade deadline, so the Celtics weren't nearly as good as they are now. The second time these teams played, Boston was again missing Brown and starting forward Al Horford. They managed to stick around nonetheless, only losing by four when it was all said and done. It's possible that a similar performance from Boston's role players is in store here.
Boston has been successful against the spread in games like this one. The Celtics have been one of the better teams against the spread overall this year, going 41-36-3 on the season. They're also 10-8-2 ATS on the year when they enter the game as an underdog. The Bucks, on the other hand, haven't had as much success covering the spread. The Bucks are 38-41 against the spread overall while going 14-22 as home favorites. Milwaukee has shown that they have trouble covering in games like this one, and now they face a talented Boston team and a fairly large spread.
Why The Bucks Could Cover The Spread
While the Celtics have played through injuries in past matchups, it's going to be significantly harder in this game. Superstar forwards Jayson Tatum and Al Horford have both been ruled out while starting point guard Marcus Smart is questionable. It's possible that the Celtics are forced to start Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Grant Williams, and some combination of Daniel Theis, Luke Kornet, or Sam Hauser. That's not exactly a starting lineup that anyone in the NBA should be afraid of, much less the Bucks.
Home court advantage should play a part in this one, despite Milwaukee's struggles against the spread at home. The Bucks are 26-14 at home and 23-16 anywhere else, showing that they clearly prefer to play in Fiserv Forum. The Celtics have a similar home and away records, with a 28-13 home record and a 22-17 road record. Milwaukee should be able to handle business against a wounded Celtics team on their home floor here.
Final Celtics-Bucks Prediction & Pick
It's too difficult to trust the Celtics in this one. They'll be without too many key players, and the Bucks are almost completely healthy. Lock in Milwaukee to win and cover.
Final Celtics-Bucks Prediction & Pick: Milwaukee Bucks: -8.5 (-108)
