Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks Prediction, NBA Odds
The Bucks posted wins in Houston and Dallas on consecutive nights this week despite missing superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has now missed five games due to injuries and Covid-19. The Celtics hit the road after closing out a five-game homestand on Wednesday with a 111-101 victory over Cleveland, but are winless straight up in their past three road contests.
The Bucks have steadily lost ground in recent days after being pegged as 7.5-point home favourites on the early NBA Christmas Day odds. The point spread has swung heavily in Boston’s favour since Giannis was sidelined, with Milwaukee fading to their current position at -3. With both teams now severely shorthanded due to the recent coronavirus outbreak, the total has also tumbled dramatically. Listed at 233.5 as recently as least weekend, the total now sits at a diminished 219.5, with 82% of the betting action backing the UNDER.
Celtics vs. Bucks NBA Betting Odds
Saturday afternoon’s matchup at Fiserv Forum marks the third of four scheduled meetings this season between these Eastern Conference rivals. The Celtics tallied outright and against the spread wins in a pair clashes in Boston earlier in the campaign, capped by a 117-103 win as 1-point home underdogs on December 13. Boston has now earned the victory in three straight meetings with the defending champions, and covered in five straight.
The Bucks have gone 5-1 straight up in their past six regular season home dates with Boston. However, they have covered in just three of 17 visits by the Celtics since March 2011. The OVER enjoys a 6-1 run in head-to-head action, with the total topping 230 on six occasions. However, with both of these teams sporting depleted lineups, the UNDER has gone 5-3 in each of their past eight overall contests.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics mustered three wins on their recent home stand despite seeing eight players miss time due to health and safety protocols. Enes Kanter Freedom is the most recent addition to a Covid-19 list that already features Al Horford, Josh Richardson, and Grant Williams. Jaylen Brown has stepped up in their absence. The 25-year-old shooting guard is coming off a 34-point performance in Wednesday’s win over the Cavs, and has averaged 29 points per game over his past three outings. However, he has recorded 17 or fewer points in his past three road appearances.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks overcame a slow start to knock off a severely shorthanded Mavericks squad by a 102-95 score on Thursday, and will be playing their third game in four days on Saturday afternoon. While the absence of the Greek Freak is reflected in their inconsistent offensive performance while scoring 107.3 points per game over their past six, it has provided the team’s supporting cast a chance to shine. Jrue Holiday has averaged 28.5 points and recorded two double-doubles over his past four outings, and Khris Middleton led all shooters in Thursday’s win over the Mavs with a game-high 26 points.
BOS
MIL