Reigning Champs Eye Clincher
After a riveting comeback to steal Game 5 from the Boston Celtics, the Milwaukee Bucks return to the Fiserv Forum as slight favorites to finish off the series on Friday night. Considering how close four of the five games in this series have been, the NBA odds are right to be this tight. However, the wrong team is favored.
Let’s check the latest NBA picks, stats, injury reports and NBA odds for Celtics vs Bucks. We’ve plenty of NBA playoffs odds for you to consider.
Three Minutes of Pain for Celtics
As Shaquille O’Neal said, “the Boston Celtics played well for 45 minutes” in Wednesday’s Game 5. But the final three minutes were something the team will review over and over despite wanting to forget about it. Boston had Milwaukee on the ropes, but committed a pair of turnovers and missed point-blank shots in a 110-107 loss.
Marcus Smart was the goat in the key possessions as the guard had one of his worst quarters. Jrue Holiday and Giannis Antetokounmpo came up big for Milwaukee, who flashed its undying attitude as defending champions. However, the Celtics are still the better team as the online sportsbook keeps lining.
Boston shot the ball better, had fewer turnovers and led the Bucks for most of the game. But Milwaukee did not break and kept the game close enough to capitalize on Boston’s mistakes. The Boston Celtics also surrendered 17 offensive boards and 20 second-chance points. With its playoff lives hanging in the balance, Boston needs to fight Milwaukee off in the paint.
Bucks Showing Championship Heart
Milwaukee clawed back to stun the Celtics in Game 5 despite facing a double-digit deficit until the final three minutes of the game. Clutch plays from Antetokounmpo and Holiday led the defending champs to a 3-2 series lead.
Antetokounmpo has carried Milwaukee Bucks amidst the absence of Khris Middleton. Last season’s NBA Finals MVP is having one hell of a series, averaging 33.6 points, 12.6 boards and seven assists. And, despite shooting just 19 percent from downtown, he hit a 3-pointer when it mattered.
It’s intriguing that Milwaukee is up in the series with the likes of Holiday and Bobby Portis struggling. Holiday has averaged 21.8 points but is taking 23 shots a game while Portis has made just three 3-pointers. But as long as Milwaukee keeps crashing the boards and defending like its lives depended on it, the Bucks are worth betting online
Celtics vs Bucks Head-to-Head
By winning the ever-important Game 5, the Milwaukee Bucks’ series odds have shortened to -250. The Boston Celtics are now +210 to come back and win the next two games. The average margin of victory for the last three games has been 4.3 points and all three underdogs covered the spread.
Celtics vs Bucks Game Information
- Game: Celtics (57-34) vs Bucks (58-34)
- Location: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee
- Day/Time: Friday, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Celtics vs Bucks Live Stream: NBA Game Pass
Celtics vs Bucks Betting Lines
Celtics vs Bucks Prediction
The Boston Celtics let the Milwaukee Bucks get away with one again. “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” The Milwaukee Bucks outrebounded Boston and played more fearlessly, thus resulting in the win. In games decided by a single possession (three points or fewer), Milwaukee is an NBA-best 7-2 while Boston is just 4-11.
Fortunately, Boston does not need to let the game come down to the wire. The Celtics have been shooting the ball a lot better and have still neutralized almost every Buck outside of Antetokounmpo. With their season on the line, bank on the Celtics to strike back.
Pick: Boston Celtics +1½
