The Milwaukee Bucks will take on the Boston Celtics in a rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference Semifinals on Sunday, Dec. 25 at 5 p.m. ET.
These are the two top-ranked teams in the East, so this could easily wind up being the highlight of the NBA’s Christmas Day slate. But who will take this high-stakes meeting?
See how I have this one going in my Milwaukee vs Boston best bets and predictions.
Bucks vs Celtics Odds
As of Thursday, Dec. 15 at 5 p.m. ET, the Celtics are 3.5-point favorites over the Bucks at bet365 Sportsbook. Boston has the league’s best record through this point and home-court advantage, so this hardly comes as a surprise.
Bucks vs Celtics Implied Totals
Celtics 111.5, Bucks 108
Bookmakers have the Celtics earning a narrow victory in what would be a surprisingly low-scoring game for them. However, the Bucks do have the second-best defense in the NBA.
Bucks vs Celtics Pick of the Day
Read more on this Bucks vs Celtics bet below.
Bucks vs Celtics Prediction
Celtics 107, Bucks 101
The name of the game for the Celtics this season has been offense. Boston ranks first in points per game and offensive rating, and while I’m expecting that to continue, their defense is also getting a much-needed lift now that Robert Williams III is back in the rotation.
The 6’9 big man averaged an efficient 11 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2 blocks in three regular-season meetings with the Bucks in 2021-22, providing some much-needed rim protection against a team that was highly productive at the rim.
His presence alone won’t win this one for the Celtics, but it will help them secure a little more ground on defense in a game where those types of gains will be absolutely crucial.
At the end of the day, though, this game is played through the stars, and we have two terrific ones here in Jayson Tatum and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Each player is averaging over 30 points per game this season, giving them both legitimate MVP arguments.
However, with the home crowd behind him on a massive stage, I like Tatum and the Celtics to pull through here.
Bucks vs Celtics Bet Tips
Here are a few Bucks vs Celtics betting trends to consider before making your bets:
- The Bucks are 15-10-2 against the spread, while the Celtics are 18-11.
- Milwaukee is just 4-5-2 ATS on the road, while Boston is 9-4 at home.
- The books have not caught up to the return of Williams.
Bucks vs Celtics Best Bets
Celtics -3.5 (-110) at bet365 Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
Not only have the Celtics been phenomenal at home this season, but their offense has rarely faltered — even against some of the league’s top defenses. It’ll be close, but Boston has what it takes to comfortably cover this 3.5-point spread.
Under 219.5 Points (-110) at bet365 Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
With Williams back at center, the Celtics have the missing piece to become an elite defensive team once again. His presence should help limit Milwaukee’s chances inside, which will help bring this total down to the Under.
Bucks vs Celtics Props
Check out the best Bucks vs Celtics player prop bets for NBA Christmas Day with our props comparison tool. Click on “Show More Games" below to find the Milwaukee vs Boston game and see all of its prop bets.
