Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks, 4/28/19 NBA Predictions & Odds

Celtics vs. Bucks Prediction

The Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks both swept their first-round opponents in the NBA Playoffs. Who will take their first loss when they meet in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals today at 1PM ET?

Game Snapshot & Odds

551 Boston Celtics vs. 552 Milwaukee Bucks

Sunday, April 28, 2019

1PM ET – Fiserv Forum

TV: ABC

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Public Betting Trends

According to oddsmakers, the Bucks are favored in this home, as they are getting odds of -7.5 points against the Celtics. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 223.5 points. The public betting for the contest has 61 percent going on the Celtics on the road. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NBA Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.

Celtics sweep Indiana

Boston is the fourth seed in the East and the Celtics were able to sweep the fifth-seeded Indiana Pacers in the first round. Boston went 3-0-1 against the spread over the four games as well. The Celtics are 53-33 overall, 23-20 on the road, 42-42-2 against the spread and 48-38 with the over.

The Celtics are a pretty solid defensive team this season, allowing just 108 points per game while limiting opponents to 44.8 percent shooting from the field. Offensively, Boston is putting up 112.4 points per contest while shooting 46.5 percent as a team. In the first series, Boston shot just under 40 percent from the arc. Kyrie Irving led the team by averaging 22.5 points and 7.8 assists in the series. Jayson Tatum added 19.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per contest. Backup guard Marcus Smart is still out right now with his oblique injury.

Bucks dominate Detroit

Milwaukee is the top seed in the East and the entire playoffs. The Bucks dismantled the eighth-seeded Detroit Pistons in the first round, sweeping them and covering the spread in all four games. Their smallest victory is just 16 points. Milwaukee is 64-22 on the season, 35-8 at home, 51-31-4 against the spread and 45-41 with the over.

The Bucks have the NBA’s top offense this season, averaging 118.1 points per game while shooting 47.6 percent as a team. They also lead the NBA in rebounding, averaging 49.7 per contest. Defensively, Milwaukee is giving up 109.3 points per game, but they hold opponents to a league-low 43.3 percent shooting. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the team with 26.3 points and 12 rebounds per game while Eric Bledsoe added 19.3 points and 5.3 assists per contest. The Bucks will still be without Pau Gasol and Malcolm Brogdon due to injuries.

NBA Betting Trends

Boston

The Celtics have covered the spread in five straight road games and in seven of their last eight Conference Semifinal games.

Milwaukee

The Bucks are 21-6-1 ATS in their last 28 games following a win of 10 points ore more and 9-4 ATS in their last 13 against Atlantic Division opponents.

Prediction:

Both teams are well rested coming into this game, but both should see trouble compared to their first series. Milwaukee is playing a much better defense while Boston is going to have to show an improved offense to keep up with the Bucks. I think Milwaukee’s scoring ability is going to overwhelm Boston in today’s series opener. With the series starting in Milwaukee, I think the Bucks can maintain their scoring production while Boston is going to take a step back in terms of its 3-point shooting.

NBA Prediction: Milwaukee Bucks -7.5