Bucks vs. Celtics Prediction & Odds
The first-place Bucks travel to Boston to face the first-place Celtics on Christmas Day at 5:00 PM ET. Can the Bucks cover the 5-point spread as road underdogs?
The Milwaukee Bucks are 22-10 on the season. They are 6-4 in their last 10 games. The Bucks are 17-13-2 ATS on the year.
The Boston Celtics are 23-10 on the season. They’re 4-6 in their last 10 games. The Celtics are 19-14 ATS on the year.
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
591 Milwaukee Bucks (+5) at 592 Boston Celtics (-5); O/U 225
5:00 PM ET, Sunday, December 25, 2022
TD Garden, Boston, MA
Bucks vs. Celtics Public Betting Information
Our NBA Public Betting Information page indicates that 56% of public bettors are currently backing the Bucks +5 in this contest. Note that these numbers are subject to change, so be sure to check the link to receive the most up-to-date public betting data.
Milwaukee Bucks DFS Spin
Milwaukee star forward Khris Middleton is doubtful for Sunday’s contest with a knee injury. Middleton is averaging 11.1 points per game in 24.1 minutes per game across 7 contests this season. The Bucks will have to rely on others to replace his scoring and defense on Sunday.
One of the players that could benefit from Middleton’s absence is Bucks point guard Jrue Holiday. Holiday is averaging 18.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game for the Bucks this year. He’s also making 2.2 three-pointers per game on 35.9% shooting from beyond the arc this season. He should be able to help DFS owners across multiple categories on Sunday.
Boston Celtics DFS Spin
Boston guard Marcus Smart is dealing with some inflammation in his hip, but he’s listed as probable for Sunday’s clash with Milwaukee. Smart is averaging 11.6 points, 7.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game for the Celtics this season.
The biggest breakout star in the NBA this year is likely Celtics forward Jayson Tatum. Tatum is pouring in 30.5 points per game on 47.1/35.4/85.8 field goal/three-point/free throw percentages for Boston this year. It’s been difficult for any team to stop Tatum or even slow him down this season, and he should get his points with Khris Middleton being out for the Bucks on Sunday. Tatum’s respectable contributions in rebounding (8.1 per game) and assists (4.1 per game) make him a very attractive option for DFS players on Christmas Day.
Bucks vs. Celtics NBA Betting Trends
Milwaukee is 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following an ATS loss.
Milwaukee is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following an outright loss.
Boston is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games.
Boston is 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Bucks vs. Celtics NBA Prediction
The Milwaukee Bucks haven’t lost three games in a row all season, and I don’t see them losing their third in a row against Boston on Christmas Day. Milwaukee star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has been on a tear lately, posting 40-point games in two out of his last three contests. If he has to score 40 for the Bucks to win this game, I think he’s legitimately capable of doing that. I also think these teams are about even as they played each other last year in the playoffs and the series went 7 games before the Celtics eventually triumphed. It’s not often you have the chance to bet on Giannis and the Bucks as underdogs, so I’ll take the opportunity to do that here.
NBA BETTING PREDICTION: MILWAUKEE BUCKS +5
