The Boston Celtics have been truly on fire so far this NBA season, but the slowly improving Milwaukee Bucks could really give them a run for their money. It seems as though Damian Lillard has finally begun to mesh with the Milwaukee roster, and if that is the case, the entire NBA needs to be on notice.
While bookmakers see the Celtics as clear favourites, it’s not that cut and dry. This is seriously going to be one of the best games we have had this year.
The Celtics also suffered their first loss in eight games against Charlotte in overtime on Monday, while the Bucks put the Hornets away soundly by 31 on November 17th. It seems as though the Celtics may not be as untouchable as everyone thought.
Odds via Tonybet
| Celtics vs Bucks | November 22, 7:30 p.m EDT |
| Celtics odds | -233 |
| Bucks odds | +177 |
| Celtics spread -3.5 | – 159 |
| Bucks spread +3.5 | +123 |
If Damian Lillard continues to shoot efficiently from beyond the arch and Giannis plays his bully ball, the Celtics will be in a rough spot. The Bucks are finally capitalizing on their strengths, and as a fan, it’s super exciting.
However, let’s not forget that it is the Celtics we are talking about; there is a reason many bookmakers still have Boston as a clear favourite here. The Boston roster is absolutely stacked at the end of the day, with Jason Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, and even Kristaps Porziņģis.
They have strong shooters, slashers, rebounders, and defenders; the East is simply crazy this year.
The only Celtics to record 45+ PTS, 13+ REB, 6+ AST and 2+ BLK in a game?
Jayson Tatum
Larry Bird pic.twitter.com/rzWlMbLr79— Boston Celtics (@celtics) November 21, 2023
Nonetheless, we are leaning toward the Bucks in this one. The roster is finally starting to gel, and they are coming off a five-game win streak while the Celtics just swallowed one of their first losses this season.
Celtics vs Bucks Odds, Spread Prediction
- Pick: Bucks +3.5
- Odds: +118 (TonyBet)
Most bookmakers have the Celtics as a heavy favourite in this matchup, so you can get some pretty great odds on the Bucks. This game should be close at the very least, and giving the Bucks a 3.5-point handicap feels like a no-brainer bet; they just have to win or lose by 3 or less.
The Bucks also come into this on a five-game winning streak, as mentioned before, but that’s not all; they have also managed to win eight of their last 10 games despite the slow start to the season. It really seems like both fans and sportsbooks have been quick to write off the Bucks without giving them any real chance.
No matter which way you look at it, a starting lineup with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard should be competitive, no matter the opponent. The inside and outside games provided by both of these specialized players complement each other perfectly, and it seems like they are understanding their roles more and more with each game.
Highlights from last night’s road WIN over the Wizards.
⚡️: @we_energies pic.twitter.com/LpbeVvL0QI
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 21, 2023
The only real downside the Bucks still struggle with is the trash play by Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez’s nonexistent rebounding. Like come on, how is a 7-foot big pulling down the same number of rebounds as Damian Lillard?
On the other side of things, the Celtics should still be able to pose quite a threat to the Bucks. As Bucks fans know, Jrue Holiday will be locking up the top of the arch and most likely sitting on Dame’s hip. And while this is going on, Tatum will likely torch Khris Middleton on the wing.
All in all, this should be a very tight game throughout, but the Bucks should be able to come away with it in the end as long as they make sure to be diligent on the boards and hit a few shots.
Celtics vs Bucks Player Pick and Betting Tip
- Pick: Giannis Antetokounmpo over 28.5
- Odds: -113 (TonyBet)
The Greek Freak has been his usual self so far this season, putting on scoring clinics night in and night out, dominating defenders small and large. Because of this, he has been able to average 30.2 PPG this season and 33.6 over his last five games.
Regardless of the perspective, Giannis should have absolutely no issue breaking past the 28.5-point mark. With his explosive first step and knack for getting momentum downhill, Kristaps Porziņģis should really have no answer for him on the inside.
Additionally, Damian Lillard has really upped his play and efficiency over the last couple of matches, which takes some pressure off of Giannis. If defences you have to watch the three-ball with Dame, they won’t be able to load up the paint and stop Giannis, and if you don’t triple-team him down low, it’s an automatic bucket every time.
The Celtics are a defensive juggernaut, but that really shouldn’t deter Giannis, as nothing really ever does.
Disclaimer: Odds are accurate at the time of posting and subject to change. Please verify the latest odds on our platform before betting.
