Free NBA Pick: Bucks vs. Celtics NBA Odds
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2022 NBA Playoffs Handicapping Round 2
(1-0) Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics (0-1)
Date: Tuesday, May 3rd
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Venue: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
NBA Moneyline Odds: Bucks +168 | Celtics -178 (Bet Now!)
NBA Betting Odds: Celtics -4.5
NBA Betting Total: 215.5
Game two of the Eastern Conference semi-finals between the third-seeded Milwaukee Bucks and second-seeded Boston Celtics tips off on Tuesday, May 3rd. The Bucks won the opening match 101-89.
Both teams finished the season with identical 51-31 records but the Celtics landed the second seed unafraid of facing what was considered the tougher opponent (Nets) while the Bucks rested their core to nab the much-preferred opponent (Bulls).
The Celtics were the lone team to sweep their first-round series taking down the preseason favorites to win the title – the Brooklyn Nets while the Bucks beat the Chicago Bulls in a gentleman’s sweep.
The teams split the 2021-22 season series 2-2. Boston holds the all-time advantage having won 114 times of the club’s 223 regular-season meetings.
This is the seventh occasion these clubs have met in the postseason with the Celtics also owning the advantage of winning five series although the Bucks took their last meeting in 2019 winning 4-1 in the semi-finals.
Milwaukee Bucks
The defending champions made a statement in the first game of the Eastern Conference semi-finals doling out the Celtics’ first loss of the 2022 postseason.
While many pundits suggested Boston had the edge given the absence of Khris Middleton, it was Milwaukee who looked like the much stronger team on both sides of the court.
Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo registered a triple-double of 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists along with two blocks. It wasn’t his most efficient game, however, as he shot 9 of 25, turned the ball over five times, and missed five of his 11 free throw attempts.
But, the reigning Finals MVP was unstoppable when he needed to be and showcased his massive improvement passing the ball out of double-teams to set up his teammates.
Bobby Portis offered a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds while Jrue Holiday delivered a complete effort of 25 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
More importantly, Holiday was a big reason why the Celtics’ two stars had an inefficient day at the office.
Khris Middleton ( knee) – is expected to miss the entire second round. George Hill (abdomen) is questionable to play Tuesday.
Boston Celtics
As the only team to sweep their opening series, the Celtics got a quick reminder of how most playoff squads up the physicality. Although playing two superstars like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving was useful the Nets weren’t exactly a team who defended with any vigor.
Nor did the Celtics seem prepared to deal with the much deeper Bucks squad.
Perhaps being off for so many days impacted the Celts as neither of the stars shot particularly well. Jayson Tatum registered 21 points on 6 of 18 adding six rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
Jaylen Brown had an even tougher day shooting 4 of 13 for 12 points although he was strong on the glass with nine rebounds. Al Horford delivered a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Defensive Player of the Year, Marcus Smart got banged up suffering a shoulder stinger and dealt with a sore quad that rendered him less effective. He’ll be a game-time decision on Tuesday.
NBA Betting Trends:
- Milwaukee is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games.
- Boston is 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games.
- The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Milwaukee’s last 6 games.
- The total has gone OVER in 12 of Boston’s last 17 games.
- The Bucks Bucks are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 road games.
- The Celtics are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight-up loss.
Free Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics NBA Prediction:
Both teams shot decently from the perimeter in the opening match with Milwaukee shooting 35.3 percent while Boston shot 36 percent yet it was the Celtics who won the 3-point edge by sinking six additional triples (18 to 12).
Yet, those extra 18 points weren’t the difference in the match as the Bucks won other key categories. The most obvious was turnovers with the Celtics coughing up the ball 18 times which Milwaukee converted into 27 points.
The Bucks only had four fewer turnovers but the Celtics weren’t able to translate that into buckets scoring just six points off those miscues. Neither team was overly successful at getting into the paint but Milwaukee won that battle too outscoring Boston 34 to 20.
Additionally, Milwaukee pushed the ball in transition which led to them also winning the fast break battle 28 to 8.
Taking those three key areas of points scored off turnovers plus scoring on the break and in the paint equated to a 55-point edge for Milwaukee.
The obvious tweak is Boston will need to up their physicality however the other major changes Ime Udoka will need to address is their transition defense and taking better care of the ball.
The series is only in the second game but with the next two games in Milwaukee, this is about as close as it gets to a must-win for Boston so they can hit the road feeling confident.
Likewise, expect the Bucks to come out aggressive which could lead to early foul trouble if they’re too physical.
4* Free NBA Betting Pick: Celtics ATS
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