Khris Middleton seems like it should be a bigger hindrance to the Milwaukee Bucks. However, through three games of the Bucks Eastern Conference semifinal with the Boston Celtics, Middleton’s injury hasn’t slowed down the defending NBA champions too much. When it comes to how to bet on NBA, Game 3 showed this season might end up being a defensive war.
Both teams shot below 30 percent from the perimeter and were close to both being below 40 percent from the field. With only two points separating the teams in the last game, Boston has to feel comfortable that it should be able to knot the series up.
Celtics forward Jayson Tatum had his worst game of the playoffs last time out, and Boston hopes he will be able to bounce back to be able to steal a game on the road in Milwaukee.
Last game records
Milwaukee beat Boston 103-101. The Bucks lead the series 2-1.
Matchup information
Celtics at Bucks Betting Analysis
Boston Betting Analysis
Tatum denies that a wrist injury had anything to do with his off-brand performance in Game 3, but there was no denying something was off. Betting stats NBA show, Tatum was 0-for-6 from the perimeter and shot 21.1 percent (4-of-19) from the field. He finished with a payoff-low 10 points, but he still averaged 25.1 points per game in the playoffs as a whole.
Boston, collectively, will want to quickly move past Game 3. The Celtics shot 27.3 percent (9-of-33) from the perimeter and 36.8 percent (32-of-87) from the field. Boston was also outscored by 20 points in the paint.
Jaylen Brown led Boston last time out by scoring 27 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Al Horford also finished with a double-double, scoring 22 points and collecting 16 rebounds. Derrick White also finished with 14 points in 21 minutes of play.
Milwaukee Betting Analysis
Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is averaging 29.6 points and 12.2 rebounds per game in the playoffs, continues to help carry Milwaukee on his broad shoulders.
In Game 3, Antetokounmpo finished two assists should of a triple-double, contributing 42 points and 12 rebounds. But the Greek Freak also got a lot of help from his teammates.
Center Brook Lopez also scored 13 points and had ten rebounds. Jrue Holiday also contributed 25 points and had seven rebounds. The Bucks will want to shoot better from the outside, as they only shot 26.5 percent (9-of-34) from the 3-point line. Milwaukee will also need to be more disciplined on defense.
The Celtics earned 34 trips to the free-throw line, while Milwaukee only went 17 times. The Bucks made up for their lack of trips to the charity stripe by being efficient inside. Milwaukee outscored Boston 52-32 in the paint.
Updates
Boston forward Sam Hauser is listed as day-to-day. Tatum appeared to have a wrist injury after landing awkwardly on a dunk in Game 3; however, Tatum said during a press conference he has been dealing with that issue for several months.
Milwaukee doesn’t have any injuries other than small forward Khris Middleton, who is expected to miss the entire series.
- Boston is 48-38-3 against the spread.
- Milwaukee is 43-47 against the spread.
- The over has gone 43-52-1 in the Celtics’ games this season.
- The over has gone 43-47 in the Bucks’ games this season.
- Boston is 13-19 against the spread following a loss.
- Milwaukee is 28-28 against the spread following a win.
Celtics at Bucks Betting Preview
NBA betting odds have the Bucks as a 1-point favorite. Milwaukee is also -114 on the moneyline, while the Celtics are -106. Anyone looking to make NBA picks can also bet on the over/under, which is set at 212 points.
Celtics at Bucks Betting Prediction
If Tatum is as healthy as he says and has a bounce-back performance, Boston should be able to steal a road victory. However, only he knows how he feels.
Milwaukee also can’t afford to keep fouling like it did the last time out. If the Bucks are going to win, they are going to have to shoot better and not allow as many trips to the free-throw line.
Milwaukee has done a good job of weathering the storm without Middleton. Antetokounmpo is a consistent performer and is comfortable shouldering the extra work in his absences. The Bucks should dig in on defense and be able to take a commanding 3-1 lead during this series.
How to bet Celtics at Bucks
Visit your favorite bookmaker, navigate to the NBA section, find the correct match page and bet on the Milwaukee Bucks to cover the -1 betting spread.
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.