The Milwaukee Bucks are just 1-2 to open the new season after back-to-back losses to the Bulls and Nets. The Boston Celtics won their season opener in blowout fashion and followed up the impressive victory with two more victories.
The Bucks will be looking for a much-needed win on the road, but my Bucks vs. Celtics predictions expect the home team to win and cover. Read my NBA picks to see why you should lay the points with the Celtics.
Bucks vs Celtics prediction
My best bet
Celtics -9.5 (-110 at FanDuel)
My analysis
The Boston Celtics were incredible in the season opener, trouncing the Knicks by 23 and tying the record for most threes made in a single game in NBA history. Boston blew out the Wizards for a second straight win and delivered a 6-point victory over the Pistons for win No. 3.
The Milwaukee Bucks took down the 76ers in the first game of the season, but Philly was missing Joel Embiid and Paul George. They've since lost by double digits to two rebuilding teams who missed the playoffs last season. Milwaukee’s defense is allowing the ninth-most points and is simply middle-of-the-pack in 3-point defense.
The Celtics offense is humming, putting up the second-most points per game at 126 and hitting a whopping 44.2% from beyond the arc. That lethal long-range shooting could be highly problematic for a Milwaukee team that’s average in perimeter defense.
Boston’s defense is strong once again, and Milwaukee is bereft of quality scoring options outside of Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Despite Milwaukee covering in each matchup last season, I expect a much different result this time around.
Bucks vs Celtics same-game parlay (SGP)
Celtics -9.5
Jaylen Brown Over 5.5 rebounds
Damian Lillard Under 3.5 threes
Through the first few games of the season, Jaylen Brown leads the Celtics in rebounding with a career-best 8.3 boards per tilt. His rebounds line is set wildly low at just 5.5, which accounts for the -150 juice. I wouldn’t recommend this as a standalone pick, but bundled into a three-game parlay? Yes, please!
He's pulled down 6+ boards in all three games this season, and he reached that mark in 47 of 70 games a season ago. The Bucks are tied for the 10th-most rebounds allowed on the road this season. With Kristaps Porzingis out and Al Horford averaging a career-low 4.3 boards per game, someone’s got to pick up the slack on the glass.
Damian Lillard is just 10-of-31 from beyond the arc to start the season, and he’s knocked down 4+ triples only once this season. He only cashed this one of four tries against Boston last season.
Meanwhile, the Celtics allow the sixth-worst 3-point percentage to opponents and are tied for fourth-fewest 3-pointers allowed. Boston is also allowed the ninth-fewest 3-point attempts and the ninth-fewest points. Dame's been cold from beyond the arc and is facing a quality perimeter defense tonight.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Bucks vs Celtics odds
Bucks vs Celtics live odds
Get the latest Bucks vs Celtics NBA odds.
Bucks vs Celtics opening odds
- Spread: Milwaukee +9.5 | Boston -9.5
- Moneyline: Milwaukee +350 | Boston -430
- Over/Under: Over 233.5 | Under 233.5
Bucks vs Celtics spread and Over/Under analysis
- Milwaukee is 1-2 straight up and 1-2 against the spread through three games.
- Boston is a perfect 3-0 SU to open the season but just 2-1 ATS after failing to cover against the Pistons on Saturday.
- The Celtics are second in the Association in points per game at a robust 126, and the team is 2-1 to the Over.
- The Bucks are putting up 116 points per game (eighth in the NBA), allowing the seventh-most points per game (119), and are 2-1 to the Over.
Bucks vs Celtics trend
The Bucks and Celtics split the 2023-24 regular season series 2-2, but the Bucks covered all four games. The Under hit in three of four matchups. Find more NBA betting trends for Bucks vs. Celtics.
Bucks vs Celtics game info
| Location: | TD Garden, Boston, MA |
| Date: | Monday, 10-28-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | NBA TV |
Bucks vs Celtics latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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