Bucks vs. Celtics Prediction
Two of the best in the Eastern Conference meet up tonight as the Boston Celtics host the Milwaukee Bucks at 8PM ET. Who will come out with the win?
509 Milwaukee Bucks at 510 Boston Celtics
Friday, December 21, 2018
8PM ET – TD Garden
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Celtics are the slight favorite in this game, as they are getting odds of -1 point against the Bucks. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 224.5 points. The public betting for this game currently has 71 percent going on the Celtics at home. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NBA Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Bucks back on winning streak
The Bucks had a 113-97 loss at Indiana on Dec. 12, but have won three straight since them and have won a total of five of their last six. Milwaukee is 21-9 on the season, 7-6 on the road, 15-13-2 against the spread and 16-14 with the over.
Milwaukee has the highest-scoring offense in the NBA, averaging 117.8 points per game this season while shooting 47.6 percent from the field. They also lead the league in rebounding at 49.8 per game. Defensively, Milwaukee is allowing just 109 points per game while opponents shoot only 43.8 percent from the field. Giannis Antetokounmpo is leading the team with 26.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game. Khris Middleton is adding 17.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per contest.
Celtics on skid
After an 8-game win streak, the Celtics have lost their last two to the Pistons and Suns. Boston is 18-12 on the season, 9-8 on the road, 15-15 against the spread and 18-17 with the under.
Boston has one of the top defenses in the NBA, allowing just 104.3 points per game while opponents shoot just 43.9 percent against them. On offense, the Celtics are putting up 111.2 points per game while shooting 45.3 percent. Already without Al Horford, the Celtics lost Aron Baynes indefinitely with a hand injury in their last game. Kyrie Irving is leading the team this year with 22.9 points and 6.4 assists per game while Jayson Tatum is adding 16.7 points and 6.5 rebounds per contest.
NBA Betting Trends
Milwaukee
The Bucks are 5-12-1 against the spread in their last 18 road games and 1-6-1 ATS in their last eight following a win.
Boston
Boston has covered the spread in six straight on 1 day of rest and 23 of its last 30 at home.
Prediction:
Boston edged Milwaukee at home back on Nov. 1, but I like the Bucks to get the nod this time around. The Celtics are really beat up in the front court and that is going to be a problem against the Bucks and Giannis. The Greek Freak should be able to dominate the paint and the highest-rebounding team in the league should create plenty of second-chance opportunities on offense while limiting Boston to one shot.
NBA Prediction: Milwaukee Bucks +1