The Milwaukee Bucks visit TD Garden Sunday to take on the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET (ABC). Below, we look at the Bucks vs. Celtics odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Bucks are coming into their second-round series after defeating the No. 6-seeded Chicago Bulls in 5 games. Milwaukee covered the last 3, failing to cover the first 2 at home as double-digit favorites.
Unfortunately for Milwaukee, it will be without its second-leading scorer, G Khris Middleton. He averaged just 14.5 points per game against Chicago, but has been a vital piece of the Bucks this season.
As for Boston, it swept the F Kevin Durant-led Brooklyn Nets. F Jayson Tatum turned into an all-out superstar on the national stage, averaging 29.5 points per game.
The Celtics were 3-1 against the spread (ATS) versus the Nets, entering as underdogs in their 2 road matches. They’ve covered 7 of their last 8. Boston is 48-37-1 ATS on the season.
Bucks vs. Celtics odds and lines
- Money line: Bucks +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Celtics -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Bucks +4.5 (-108) | Celtics -4.5 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 217.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
Bucks vs. Celtics key injuries
Bucks
- G Khris Middleton (knee) out
Celtics
- None
Bucks vs. Celtics picks and predictions
Prediction
Celtics 108, Bucks 103
Money line
PASS.
I like the Celtics at home, especially with the Bucks down Middleton. However -190 is too pricey for me to suggest betting on them to win outright.