In the first game on ESPN Wednesday, the Boston Celtics will play the Milwaukee Bucks at 7:30 p.m. ET. The last time these two teams played each other, the Celtics won 122-121 on Dec. 23.
The Celtics are coming into this primetime game of a 132-126 overtime loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday. Boston has lost four of their last five games and four out of their last five road games. They are also 5-5 in their last 10, while allowing opposing teams to shoot 46.6% from the field and score 114.4 points per game.
The Bucks are on a seven-game winning streak after defeating the Indiana Pacers 140-113 without Giannis Antetokounmpo. In their last 10 games, Milwaukee is averaging 120.4 points per game and shooting 48.6% from the field. They also have a record 9-1 over that span of time.
Can the Celtics snap the Bucks’ winning streak without Giannis Antetokounmpo? We’ll go over some ideal picks on DraftKings Sportsbook centered around the game here.
Celtics vs. Bucks, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Pick ATS: Bucks -6
The line for Wednesday night’s game is currently set at six points, with the Bucks favored at home. Boston needs a win in the worst way to change their fortunes and keep their playoff hopes alive. The Celtics are currently occupying the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference, which means that they would have to participate in the play-in tournament.
This season, Boston has a record 15-12 against other teams from the East. The Celtics are 1-4 against the spread in their last five games. They also have a record of 1-9 against the spread on the road. If the Celtics want to come away with the win on Wednesday, they must defend the three-point line.
The Bucks are shooting 40.5% percent from three-point range in their last three games. The Celtics, however, are allowing opposing teams to shoot 35.4% from distance. Milwaukee will hope to get Giannis Antetokounmpo back for Wednesday night’s game. He did not play the other day due to a knee injury. But Antetokounmpo did practice on Tuesday and is listed as questionable to play against the Celtics.
Milwaukee has a record of 13-9 against the spread at home this season. During their seven game winning streak, Bucks are only 3-4 against the spread. The Bucks are also 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games against teams from the Atlantic Division.
Over/Under Pick: O230 (-112)
With the Bucks’ player props yet to be posted on DraftKings Sportsbook, we are going to discuss the point total for Wednesday night’s contest. The total is set at 230, which means someone will have to score at least 115 points. In regards to the Celtics, the point total has gone over in six out of Boston’s last nine games against another team from the East.
As for Milwaukee, the point total has gone over in five out of their last six games. The Bucks are averaging 123.0 points game in their last three games, while the Celtics are averaging 111.3 points per game.
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