The Milwaukee Bucks (3-3) visit TD Garden Sunday to take on the Boston Celtics (3-3) in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series. Tip-off is set for 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC). Below, we look at the Bucks vs. Celtics odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The reigning champion Bucks still have a chance to keep their back-to-back hopes alive. Having battled without their second-best scorer, G Khris Middleton, Milwaukee has struggled offensively in the series.
The Bucks have been led by 2-time MVP F Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is averaging 32.3 points per game and shooting 50% from the field. Milwaukee is 6-10 against the spread (ATS) this season as a road underdog.
The Celtics are captained by star F Jayson Tatum, who has erupted into a full-blown superstar this postseason by averaging 28.8 points per game.
Boston is 3-2-1 ATS this series and 18-24-1 ATS as a home favorite this season. The Celtics will be down starting C Robert Williams III, a key blow to defending the lengthy Antetokounmpo.
Bucks at Celtics odds and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:08 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Bucks +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Celtics -210 (bet $210 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Bucks +5.5 (-120) | Celtics -5.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 205.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)
Bucks at Celtics key injuries
Bucks
- G Khris Middleton (knee) out
Celtics
- C Robert Williams (knee) out
[tipico]
Bucks at Celtics picks and predictions
Prediction
Bucks 108, Celtics 106
Money line
PASS.
I think Milwaukee has the experience and personnel to come out on top, and while the +170 does give good value, I’d rather take the safer side and play the points, especially considering 2 of the 6 games have ended with 4 points.
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Against the spread
BET BUCKS +5.5 (-120).
Milwaukee has championship DNA. I’m not willing to bet that it wins, but this spread is too large not to strongly consider.
Also, Williams being sidelined is crucial. Giannis has scored 34 or more points in all 3 games in which Williams has been sidelined, and he’s notched 40 in 2 straight performances.
The Bucks were 24-17 on the road this season, tied for the second-best away record in the Eastern Conference. Boston and Milwaukee have also traded off wins and losses since the first game of the series, with it being the Bucks turn to come out on top.
Lastly, starting Boston C Al Horford, who will be expected to play big-time minutes, is shooting 41% on 3-pointers this series and has only consistently topped 40% one time in his 15-year career.
Regression is due, and combine that with the other factors, and I’ll take the Bucks to cover here.
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 205.5 (-115).
While the Under is 4-2 in this series, both teams have big-time scorers who should be able to shine on the NBA’s brightest stage. Tatum and Antetokounmpo should be able to get loose as both teams are missing top-tier defenders.
The teams have gone 2-1 O/U in the last 3 games as well, suggesting they’re starting to figure each other out. Williams’ absence is a huge reason why as well, forcing the Celtics to either go small or bring in a more offensive-minded threat in F Daniel Theis.
Regardless, both teams have stars that should be able to dominate. With the recent trends as well, I’ll take the Over here.
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