The two top teams in the Eastern Conference collide on Christmas day as the Boston Celtics (23-10, 18-14-1) and Milwaukee Bucks (22-10, 17-13-2) meet at TD Garden in their first matchup of the season. Boston is 2-5 in its last seven games while Milwaukee is 3-4 in its last seven outings. Find out which team can build some momentum in our Bucks vs Celtics prediction.
- Date/Time: December 25, 5:00 p.m. ET
- Arena: TD Garden
- TV Coverage: ABC, ESPN
- Sportsbook Bucks vs Celtics Odds: Celtics -4.5 | O/U 225.5
- Bucks vs Celtics Betting Matchup Report
Bucks vs Celtics Sportsbook Odds
Sportsbook Odds
The Celtics opened as the ?-point favorite at home with the total set at ? points. The OVER is 6-0 in the last six meetings between the two teams while Boston has won four straight home games versus Milwaukee – perhaps a sign to go with the hosts in your Bucks vs Celtics prediction.
Get the best Bucks vs Celtics odds and lines available from our recommended sportsbooks for your favorite picks of the night.
[best-odds:nba-1737429
Bucks Get Blown Out By Nets
The Bucks were blown out in their last game, losing 118-100 to the Brooklyn Nets on Friday. Kevin Durant led the Nets with just 24 points but five others scored 12 or more in a well-rounded performance for Brooklyn. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo (26 points, 13 rebounds) and Brook Lopez (23 points) were two of just four Bucks to finish in double digits.
After making his season debut on December 2 and appearing in seven straight contests, Khris Middleton (knee) will miss his fifth consecutive game. The Bucks, who have averaged just 99.8 points through their last four losses, have certainly missed Middleton’s scoring.
Celtics Snap Skid With Win Over Timberwolves
The Celtics snapped a three-game skid on Friday as they earned a 121-109 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jaylen Brown (36 points) and Jayson Tatum (30 points) each scored 30-plus to lead Boston’s offense while Anthony Edwards had 30 of his own in a losing effort for Minnesota.
After struggling to score through their three-game losing streak, the Celtics looked a lot more like themselves on Friday as Brown and Tatum combined for 66 points alone. Led by that dynamic duo, Boston is averaging 118 points per game this season – just behind the Sacramento Kings (118.4) for the top mark in the NBA.
Bucks vs Celtics Picks & Insights
Bucks Keys To Win:
Bucks Keys To Win:
Though they’re missing a key scorer in Middleton, the Bucks have gotten to second place in the Eastern Conference without him for most of the season. Antetokounmpo leads the way, of course, but Jrue Holiday has also been productive with 20.8 points and 8.3 assists per game in December. That duo will need to be excellent if they’re going to keep up with Tatum and Brown.
Celtics Keys To Win:
The Celtics have struggled of late, winning just two of their last seven contests, but they definitely looked like they turned a page last time out as they ran up the score against the Timberwolves. While Antetokounmpo may have the most star power in this matchup, the combo of Brown and Tatum can certainly outdo the Greek Freak if they’re on their game.
NBA Computer Picks: OVER 225.5
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- Boston is 1-5-1 ATS in its last 7 games.
- The UNDER is 7-3 in Boston’s last 10 games.
- The UNDER is 16-5 in Milwaukee’s last 21 road games.
