In this classic Eastern Conference rivalry, the Milwaukee Bucks will host the Boston Celtics. The match will occur on 8 April at 02:30 AM (+3 UTC). The Bucks are third in the East with 49 wins and 30 losses while their arch-rivals Celtics are one win better and have one fewer loss with 50 wins and 29 losses. With the three games remaining for each of the teams, this is a big one!
Best bets on Bucks vs Celtics
Bookmakers from 22bet favor the Bucks here with the odds of 1.4. And there are two major reasons for that, first, the Bucks are terrific on their home floor, secondly, this will be the second game on the second night for the Celtics, that too on the road. However, betting against the Celtics even against elite teams hasn’t been a wise decision. But yes, the Bucks surely have a higher chance of winning.
Bookmakers at 1xbet predict a handicap of -5.5 for the Bucks, it means a five-point win has the odds of 1.89 for the Bucks. Going down the list, the odds of -6.5 at 2.04 also means that the margin of victory has been predicted in the 5-7 points bracket. However, the Celtics can force a close game here so I’d think a -5.5 handicap appears a safer option.
Bookmakers at bet365 provide the Odds of 1.90 for the Total (Over/Under) of 228.0. Do remember the Celtics are the most elite defensive team in the league while the Bucks prefer high-scorers. This doesn’t mean that the Celtics can’t put up 110+ points, in fact, they have done so more often than not since mid-February. I’d say we can see an “Under” 228.0 battle here.
Where to Watch Bucks vs Celtics
This game is available on the NBA League Pass.
Milwaukee Bucks form
The Bucks have played much better in the second half of the season and that is mostly because the trio of Giannis, Middleton, and Holiday has spent more time together during the phase. The return of Brook Lopez has surely bolstered the Center position and as Bobby Portis is coming off the bench, the Bucks finally have some semblance in terms of depth. Apart from that, Grayson Allen is also coming off the bench but he may end up playing more minutes than starter Wesley Matthews. Pat Connaughton will also be an integral part of the scheme here. Do remember if the Bucks win three in a row here, they are ensured a top-three finish.
Boston Celtics form
The Boston Celtics have been as good as the Phoenix Suns since February. They have won more than 80% of their games since that period and there is no doubt that they will be a handful during the Playoffs. One of the problems at times has been the up-and-down shooting of Tatum and for now, Jaylen Brown has been covering that hole. However, an even bigger problem is not having Robert Williams III, who was the team’s most proactive defender, but credit to Al Horford who has patched up that absence as well as he can. The Celtics will be favored to at least make a Conference Finals run but they can run into the Bucks during the second round as well, although the 76ers are also close by. How will they finish this season?
Bucks vs Celtics: possible lineups
- Bucks most likely starting five: PG: Jrue Holiday | SG: Wesley Matthews | SF: Khris Middleton | PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo | C: Brook Lopez;
- Celtics most likely starting five: PG: Marcus Smart | SG: Jaylen Brown | SF: Jayson Tatum | C: Al Horford | C: Daniel Theis.
