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Jeremy Perry
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics: Game 2 Prediction, NBA Playoff Odds
The Boston Celtics beat the Milwaukee Bucks in a thrilling Game 1 but if we learned anything, it’s that this figures to be a long series. The Celtics won 113-107 in overtime and covered, but the game went down to the wire and there are a lot of things that indicate Milwaukee could tie this series up on Tuesday.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Bucks pushed Game 1 to overtime with a fourth-quarter buzzer beater from Khris Middleton but couldn’t keep up with the Celtics in the extra frame. Boston outscored Milwaukee 14-8 in the extra frame. The Bucks went 19-22 on the road in the regular season but went 22-19 against the spread, so it will be interesting to see if they can find a way to steal Game 2 at TD Garden. They are just 17-25-2 ATS and 18-26 SU versus teams with a winning record.
Meanwhile, the Celtics went 27-14 on their home floor in the regular season. They have won and covered seven of the last 11 meetings overall between the two teams.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks generated some drama in Game 1 with a long three-ball from Middleton at the buzzer that sent the game to overtime. However, Milwaukee couldn’t close the deal in the extra frame and will be in tough to bounce back on the road in Game 2.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was excellent for the Bucks leading the way with 35 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists before fouling out in overtime. However, the Greek Freak won’t be able to beat Boston on his own. He had reasonable support from Middleton, who poured in 31, but guys like Eric Bledsoe (nine points), Tony Snell (two points) and Jabari Parker (two points) have to do more.
The Bucks should be confident, though, as they nearly won a game where Giannis fouled out, Bledsoe fouled out and they turned it over 20 times. If they take better care of the ball and get more from the supporting cast, they can win Game 2.
Boston Celtics
Boston capitalized on its first opportunity to prove that it can win without its star players in Game 1. Horford led the way with 24 points, 12 rebounds and four assists. Meanwhile, Terry Rozier, Marcus Morris, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum all delivered at least 19 points or more in the victory.
The Celtics will look to pick up from where they left off heading in to Game 2. Boston might be without Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward but they have enough firepower to get past the Bucks in the opening round series thanks to some solid depth and outstanding coaching from Brad Stevens. The young guns showed that the moment is not too big for them.
The Celtics were excellent on their home floor all season and that should continue on Tuesday night with another win to take a 2-0 series lead.
