Two of the NBA’s top teams go head-to-head in a must-watch matchup as the Boston Celtics (+130) take on the Milwaukee Bucks (-155). With the odds favoring the Bucks, the Celtics will face an uphill battle to knock off the Eastern Conference leaders. Can Tatum and Brown lead them an upset victory, or will the Greek Freak prove too strong to handle?
Preview
The Boston Celtics (52-24, 24-15 away) are set to face the red-hot Milwaukee Bucks (55-21, 30-7 home) in Milwaukee, WI. The Bucks are coming off an impressive road win led by Jrue Holiday’s career-high 51 points. Despite the Bucks’ formidable home record, the Celtics have shown they can hold their own on the road with an impressive 24-15 away record.
Injury Report
The Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks are both facing some key injuries ahead of their matchup. The Bucks are a really tough team to score against, inside, with a rotation of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis. So seeing Robert Williams III and Grant Williams listed on the injury report is a huge disadvantage, along with Payton Pritchard all listed as Day-to-Day. Meanwhile, the Bucks will be without Jae Crowder, Khris Middleton, and Meyers Leonard. While the Celtics will be without the services of Danilo Gallinari. Both teams must adjust to win, as the impact of these injuries on the game’s outcome is uncertain.
Celtics vs Bucks Analysis
The Celtics will be aiming to capitalize on the fact that the Bucks are playing on the second night of a back-to-back. Meanwhile, the Bucks will try to take advantage of the injuries to starting center Robert Williams III and power forward Grant Williams. The former who has played 36.5 minutes per game against Milwaukee this season. Not to mention, the Celtics are coming off a bad loss to the Washington Wizards who out-rebounded them 38-43.
I intuitively feel that Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have the potential to combine for a crazy number, but still could face a significant challenge as they try to figure out who will be responsible for stopping Giannis. Al Horford rotating all night with Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis spot-up shooting in the corner? I don’t think so. Then we have to think that Jrue Holiday will still have some sauce coming off a career night.
If the Celtics’ supporting cast doesn’t show up to play, I can foresee the situation getting out of control.
Celtics vs Bucks Prediction
Considering Celtics are 3-2 in their last five (losses to Jazz, Wizards) and Bucks are 4-1 (only loss to Nuggets). I’m taking…
Bucks Moneyline (-155)
Check out more picks and predictions here.