The Boston Celtics have clamped down defensively and made life miserable for the Milwaukee Bucks. Already missing Khris Middleton, having to constantly navigate Boston’s nagging defense will put a lot of wear-and-tear on star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. The question when it comes to how to bet on NBA is has Boston finally found the formula to take down Milwaukee?
The Celtics will want to sure things up inside but showed they are more than capable of trying to make life difficult for Milwaukee. Boston also will want to make sure to not lose an opportunity to take a commanding lead on the home court.
Last game, records
Boston beat Milwaukee 116-108. The series is tied 2-2
Matchup information
Celtics at Bucks Betting Analysis
Boston Betting Analysis
Betting stats NBA show in Game 4 Boston was able to shoot 50 percent (42-of-84) from the field. Star forward Jayson Tatum, who is averaging 26.0 points and 5.1 rebounds per game in the playoffs, had another outstanding performance to help Boston even the series. Tatum finished with 30 points and 13 rebounds.
But the big breakout star for Boston ended up being Al Horford, who tied Tatum for a team-high 30 points. Horford is averaging 15.9 points per game over the course of the entire postseason. The Celtics did a good job of protecting the ball, only turning the ball over 11 times.
Boston also was effective at taking advantage of its opportunities from the charity stripe. The Celtics made 90 percent (18-of-20) of their attempts.
Milwaukee Betting Analysis
The Bucks 3-point shooting was poor again in Game 4. Milwaukee only made 33.3 percent (9-of-27) of its attempts. In an offense missing Middleton, making 3-pointers is important for the Bucks to open the floor for Antetokounmpo.
Even with the increased attention on him, Antetokounmpo scored a game-high 34 points and pulled down 18 rebounds in Game 4. Antetokounmpo is averaging 30.1 points and 13.2 rebounds per game over the course of this postseason. Brook Lopez was the team’s second-leading scorer, finishing with 17 points.
Milwaukee lost Game 4 despite holding a 48-38 edge in rebounding. The Bucks also pulled down 13 offensive rebounds and only turned the ball over seven times. However, Milwaukee missed too many good looks and allowed Boston’s offense to shoot well.
Updates
Boston center Robert Williams III is day-to-day with a knee injury. Milwaukee point guard George Hill is day-to-day with an abdomen injury. Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer said Middelton will be out again for Game 5, but didn’t rule him out for the series.
- Boston is 49-38-3 against the spread.
- Milwaukee is 43-48 against the spread.
- The over has gone 44-45-1 in the Celtics’ games this season.
- The over has gone 44-47 in the Bucks’ games this season.
- Boston is 29-26-1 against the spread following a win.
- Milwaukee is 15-18 against the spread following a loss.
Celtics at Bucks Betting Preview
NBA betting odds have the Celtics as a 5.5-point favorite. Boston is -225 on the moneyline, while the Bucks are +180. Anyone looking to make NBA picks can also bet on the over/under, which is set at 214 points.
Celtics at Bucks Betting Prediction
Boston is in a spot where it can’t afford to lose. The Celtics have now stolen back the home-court advantage and will be hosting Milwaukee in Boston with an opportunity to put a serious stranglehold on the series. The Celtics will need to do so by playing strong defense and make life as difficult as possible on Antetokounmpo in the postseason.
Milwaukee is hoping that if they can extend the series long enough maybe they can get Middleton back to help close things out. The Bucks have won on the road in this series before so they likely won’t be intimated by the hostile atmosphere they will see in Game 5 in Boston.
However, Antetokounmpo won’t be able to carry the Bucks through this challenge. Boston will win the game and should do so by enough points to cover the spread.
How to bet Celtics at Bucks
Bet the Celtics -5.5.
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