The Eastern Conference Second Round is here and we witnessed some intriguing battles in First Round. In the first game of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, the Boston Celtics will host the Milwaukee Bucks. The Celtics beat the Nets four-nil in the last series while the Milwaukee Bucks took care of business against Chicago Bulls four-one. The Celtics may enter as favorites here but would you want to bet against the defending champions Bucks?
Bet on Boston Celtics-Milwaukee Bucks
Best bets on Celtics vs Bucks
Handicap: Bookmakers from 22bet suggest that the Celtics' chances of winning this game are higher than the Bucks and they have been given the odds of 1.48. It is understandable since they will begin at their home floor and beat a Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving team four-nil while the Bucks are without one of their key players in Khris Middleton. The odds for the handicap of -4.5 in favor of the Celtics are 1.90 and I’d take that. (Handicap 1 -4.5 for 1.90)
Player Props: Bookmakers at bet365 predict odds of 2.10 for Jaylen Brown going Over 4.5 assists here(At least 5 assists). Jaylen had 3, 5, 6, and 3 assists in the four games versus the Nets and has been a more than serviceable passer at the off-guard position. I think he will be “Over” here. (Player Props: Player Assists: Jaylen Brown Over 4.5 for 2.10)
Total: Bookmakers at 1xbet give the Total of 217.5 the equal odds of 1.97 so they believe the game will hover around that range. The Celtics are an elite defense while the Bucks also turned on their effort during the Playoffs. I do believe this will be a low-scoring game. I believe the total will go under here. (Total Under 217.5 for 1.97)
Where to Watch Celtics-Bucks
This game can be watched on NBA League Pass.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics are the elitist defense in the league and they built their reputation on a switch-heavy squad where each player from Point Guard Marcus Smart to Center Robert Williams III can switch on multiple players and both guard the outside shot while sealing the middle. This rugged style of defense helped the team build a solid reputation on the defensive end and it is clear that the Celtics have a championship-level defense. This is a team that made Durant commit more than 5 turnovers a game repeatedly while holding him below 30% too. On the other hand, Kyrie Irving also had trouble getting into his rhythm and after a strong Game 1, the Celtics' defense took care of him. They are a team that can really shut you down and their offense although largely dependent upon Tatum, still has attained a lot of scoring balance through ball-movement and versatile scoring options.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks have been running much of their offense through Giannis Antetokounmpo whose MVP-level all-around ways are always huge for the team. He has continued to dominate the paint but here things can be tricky against the pesky defense of Tatum, backed up by the size and athleticism of Robert Williams, the experience of Al Horford, the perimeter defense of Smart and Brown. Giannis will see multiple bodies surround him and even getting passes to his teammates can be tricky in such situations. Therefore, the role of Jrue Holiday as an offensive player becomes huge while Portis and Lopez will look to get things going, taking advantage of the defense magnetized towards Giannis. Grayson Allen found his stroke versus the Bulls and he will look to keep it going in the Second Round as a perimeter knockdown shooter and Pat Connaughton seems to be in rhythm. The defending champions can’t be taken lightly with their arsenal.
Celtics vs Bucks: possible lineups
- Celtics vs Bucks: possible lineups Celtics most likely starting five: PG: Marcus Smart | SG: Jaylen Brown | SF: Jayson Tatum | C: Al Horford | C: Daniel Theis;
- Key Bench Player: Grant Williams, Derrick White, Daniel Theis, Payton Pritchard;
- Bucks most likely starting five: PG: Jrue Holiday | SG: Wesley Matthews | PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo | C: Bobby Portis | C: Brook Lopez;
- Key Bench Players: Grayson Allen, Pat Connaughton, Jevon Carter.
