Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks odds, picks and predictions

Ryan Dodson | Staff Writer

The Boston Celtics (29-8) take on the Milwaukee Bucks (25-12) Thursday with tip-off from Fiserv Forum set for 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Celtics vs. Bucks odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Season series: Celtics lead 1-0

The Celtics come to town fresh off a 127-120 home win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. So they are on the back end of a back-to-back here. The Celtics have won 3 of 4 and previously dispatched the Bucks, 119-116, Nov. 22, failing to cover as 6-point favorites. Boston has won 7 of the last 10 meetings, including the playoffs.

The Bucks have lost 2 straight and 4 of 5 after a 132-116 defeat to the Utah Jazz Monday as 8-point favorites. G Damian Lillard was out for personal reasons in that one, and F Giannis Antetokounmpo had a triple-double with 25 points, 10 boards and 11 assists. The Bucks are 16-4 at home, with revenge on their minds for the loss to the Celtics earlier this season.

Celtics at Bucks odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access Paste BN Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:30 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Celtics +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Bucks -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Celtics +4.5 (-110) | Bucks -4.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 242.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Celtics at Bucks key injuries

Celtics

Not yet submitted

Bucks

F Jae Crowder (groin) out
G Cameron Payne (concussion) probable

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Celtics at Bucks and predictions

Prediction

Bucks 120, Celtics 119

Moneyline

Sure, the Celtics are on the tail end of a back-to-back and went into overtime Wednesday, but the Bucks at -190 against them isn't a consideration.

As mentioned, the Celtics have won 7 of the last 10 against them, and their +155 ML is tempting. Wait until closer to gametime before making the plunge to see if anyone is sitting out.

PASS.

Against the spread

The Celtics catching 4.5 points is tantalizing and a safer way to bet this game. The Bucks are struggling of late, and unless F Jayson Tatum rests for some reason, Boston has a good chance to win.

Over the last 10 meetings, Boston would not have covered this spread just once. Take the CELTICS +4.5 (-110).

Over/Under

The Celtics are 7-3 O/U over the last 10, but Milwaukee is 4-6. The Over has cashed in half of the last 10 meetings between the teams. This is a massive total that has only cashed in 2 of Boston's last 4 but has cashed in 3 of Milwaukee's last 4.

This is a slippery one that could go either way, but based on the trends, this number is too high for me.

LEAN UNDER 242.5 (-110).

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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