Boston Celtics at Miami Heat odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Wednesday’s Boston Celtics at Miami Heat NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Boston Celtics (5-3) travel to meet the Miami Heat (3-3) Wednesday for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip at American Airlines Arena.

Below, we analyze the Celtics-Heat NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Celtics at Heat: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:20 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Celtics +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Heat -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Celtics +2.5 (-110) | Heat -2.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 217.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Celtics at Heat: Key Injuries

Celtics

  • G Jeff Green (illness) out
  • G Romeo Langford (wrist) out
  • G Marcus Smart (thumb) questionable
  • G Jeff Teague (ankle) questionable
  • G Kemba Walker (knee) out

Heat

  • F Moe Harkless (forearm) questionable
  • G Gabe Vincent (knee) probable

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Celtics at Heat: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Heat 113, Celtics 108

Money line (ML)

The HEAT (-140) are a solid play against a Celtics (+115) team that has a hole in the backcourt with Smart and Teague both question marks. If Tremont Waters gets another start, that’s great news for Miami. Waters struggled with just five points and five assists in his 24 minutes, hitting 1-for-8 from the field.

Against the spread (ATS)

Even if the Smart and/or Teague is able to play, the HEAT -2.5 (-110) is the play. Miami beat Oklahoma City 118-90, and they have won a pair of games at home after their wake-up call blowout at home against Milwaukee Dec. 29. Miami has won five of the past seven meetings against Boston, which is just 2-6 ATS in its past eight following a straight-up win.

Over/Under (O/U)

The lean is to the OVER 217.5 (-115), which has connected in each of the past four meetings in this series, while going 3-0-1 in the previous four battles in Miami. The Under is 6-1 in the past seven at home for the Heat, but the Over has cashed in each of their past four against teams with a winning straight-up record. The Over has hit in six of the past eight road games for the C’s, too.

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Boston Celtics at Toronto Raptors odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Monday’s Boston Celtics at Toronto Raptors NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Boston Celtics (4-3) visit the Toronto Raptors (1-4) at their 2020-21 home of Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla., Monday for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we analyze the Celtics-Raptors NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

The Celtics snuck past the Detroit Pistons 122-120 Sunday to earn a split of their back-to-back. The Raptors had a rest day following a 120-116 loss at the New Orleans Pelicans Saturday.

Celtics at Raptors: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:20 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Celtics +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Raptors -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Celtics +2.5 (-105) | Raptors -2.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under: 216.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Celtics at Raptors: Key Injuries

Celtics

  • PG Kemba Walker (knee) out
  • SG Romeo Langford (wrist) out
  • PG Javonte Green (health and safety protocols) out

Raptors

  • None affecting betting lines.

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Celtics at Raptors: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Celtics 106, Raptors 103

Money line (ML)

The CELTICS (+125) are in a less than ideal spot by playing the second half of a back-to-back and third game of four straight on the road, but they’re still the play at plus-money against a struggling 1-4 Raptors team. Boston won three of four games against Toronto last regular season before winning their second-round playoff series in seven games.

The Celtics haven’t been at full strength yet this season and are missing Walker’s ball movement at the point, but SF Jayson Tatum will be the best player on the floor Monday. He’s averaging 24.3 points per game while SG Jaylen Brown leads the C’s with 28.0 PPG.

Three Celtics players played at 34 minutes Sunday but that was a matinee game which allows for a little extra rest ahead of Monday’s 7:30 p.m. ET tip. Toronto’s still struggling at both ends of the court after key offseason departures and shouldn’t be favored against its top competition so far this season.

Against the spread (ATS)

The money line is the superior play due to the +125 odds, but the CELTICS +2.5 (-105) should be backed with a little insurance in the event of a loss. Toronto’s three playoff wins against Boston last year were by 1, 7 and 3 points (in double overtime).

The Celtics are being outscored 112.3 to 111.6 on average, despite their 4-3 record. The Raptors’ minus-6.0 second-half scoring differential ranks 27th in the Association while the Celtics rank 25th at minus-5.0. It’s best to grab the three points with sloppy play expected once again in the final 24 minutes Monday.

Over/Under (O/U)

Back the UNDER 216.5 (-105). The Raptors are seventh in the NBA in pace (105.4 possessions per game) but second-to-last in offensive efficiency with 105.4 points per 100 possessions. The Celtics are 23rd in pace with 101.9 possessions per game.

Seven of last season’s 11 combined meetings played below Monday’s projected total.

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Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Boston Celtics (3-3) and Detroit Pistons (1-4) meet at the Little Caesars Arena Sunday at 3 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Celtics-Pistons NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Celtics at Pistons: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:50 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Celtics -350 (bet $350 to win $100) | Pistons +260 (bet $100 to win $260)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Celtics -7.5 (-120) | Pistons +7.5 (+100)
  • Over/Under: 213.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Celtics at Pistons: Key Injuries

Celtics

  • SG Romeo Langford (wrist) out
  • PG Kemba Walker (knee) out

Pistons

  • PF Blake Griffin (concussion) questionable
  • PG Frank Jackson (personal) questionable

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Celtics at Pistons: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Celtics 110, Pistons 99

Money line (ML)

You only need to go back to New Year’s Day to know why you don’t lay big money on a favorite. The Celtics (-350) lost 96-93 to the Pistons (+260), as Detroit picked up its first win. You can’t risk more than three times your potential return on the .500 C’s right now. AVOID.

Against the spread (ATS)

CELTICS -7.5 (-120) should be able to bounce back and top the Pistons +7.5 (+100), but it’s a good idea to go lightly. Despite Friday’s non-cover, the C’s are still 6-2 ATS in the previous eight meetings in the Motor City.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 213.5 (-110) might be the best play on the board. The Over was never a possibility on New Year’s Day when these teams met, and the Under is now 6-1-1 in the past eight meetings in Detroit. Keep thumping the Under when these teams hook up until further notice.

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Memphis Grizzlies at Boston Celtics odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Wednesday’s Memphis Grizzlies at Boston Celtics NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Memphis Grizzlies (1-2) are in Beantown Wednesday for a 7:30 p.m. ET game against the Boston Celtics (2-2) at TD Garden. Below, we analyze the Grizzlies-Celtics NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Grizzlies at Celtics: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:10 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Grizzlies +195 (bet $100 to win $195) | Celtics -240 (bet $240 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Grizzlies +6.5 (-120) | Celtics -6.5 (+100)
  • Over/Under: 219.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Grizzlies at Celtics: Key Injuries

Grizzlies

  • PF Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) out
  • PG Ja Morant (ankle) out
  • SF Justise Winslow (hip) out
  • PG De’Anthony Melton (health and safety protocols) out

Celtics

  • PG Kemba Walker (knee) out

Special NBA Betting Promotion!

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Grizzlies at Celtics: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Celtics 122, Grizzlies 107

Money line (ML)

PASS ON THE MONEY LINE because Boston should be a top-4 seed in the Eastern Conference and needs to handle business against teams as injury-depleted as the Grizzlies but nothing in the NBA is a big enough lock to lay this much money on the Celtics (-240) to win outright.

Against the spread (ATS)

The Grizzlies beat the Brooklyn Nets 116-111 in overtime Dec. 28 as 1.5-point road favorites, which was a result of Brooklyn stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving missing the game for rest.

While Memphis is no longer winless, the Grizz did lose second-year phenom Morant in the second quarter after he sprained his left ankle in the win over Brooklyn. It was announced earlier this week Morant will miss 3-5 weeks.

Boston split a back-to-back with the Indiana Pacers by beating them 116-111 Tuesday as 1.5-point road underdogs. The Celtics outscored the Pacers 33-17 in the fourth quarter and were led by Jayson Tatum‘s game-high 27 points on 9-for-17 shooting. He added 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals.

The Celtics beat the brakes off of the Grizzlies in both regular-season meetings last year: 122-107 in the Orlando bubble (Aug. 11) and 119-95 Jan. 22.

I don’t see how Wednesday’s game plays out much differently. This isn’t a midseason back-to-back situation for the Celtics and at the moment there hasn’t been an announcement they were sitting any players.

Can Morant’s replacement, PG Tyus Jones, initiate any of the Grizzlies’ offense with PG Marcus Smart checking him? I feel good about Tatum and Brown’s matchups against SG Grayson Allen and SF Dillon Brooks both of whom are negative in defensive box plus/minus (DBPM) for their careers.

GIMME CELTICS -6.5 (+100) for 1 unit.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total is a STAY AWAY for me with a slight lean on the Over 219.5 (-110). The Over has cashed in 56.5% of Celtics games in Boston as a favorite since 2018 but the Grizzlies are 12-15 O/U as road dogs since the beginning of last season.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Tuesday’s Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Indiana Pacers (3-0) host the Boston Celtics (1-2) Tuesday for the second meeting between the two in three days. Tip-off at Bankers Life Fieldhouse will be at 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Celtics-Pacers NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Celtics at Pacers: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:45 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Celtics -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Pacers +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Celtics -1.5 (-105) | Pacers +1.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under: 218.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Celtics at Pacers: Key Injuries

Celtics

  • Tacko Fall (eye) out
  • SG Romeo Langford (wrist) out
  • PG Kemba Walker (knee) out

Pacers

  • SG Jeremy Lamb (knee) out

Special NBA Betting Promotion!

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Celtics at Pacers: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Pacers 112, Celtics 109

Money line (ML)

Let’s take the value with the PACERS (+100) as even-money underdogs at home. They just beat the Celtics 108-107 Sunday and covered the spread as 2.5-point underdogs.

PF Domantas Sabonis is leading Indiana with 24.3 points per game and 11.0 rebounds per game. SG Victor Oladipo sat out Sunday’s contest for rest but should return with 22 points scored in each of his two games this season.

The Celtics have been struggling without Walker to start the season. F Jayson Tatum and SG Jaylen Brown are averaging 25.0 and 26.0 PPG, respectively, but no other player is in double digits and only PG Marcus Smart is averaging more than 4 assists per game (6.3 APG).

Boston will get right eventually and contend in the Eastern Conference, but it won’t start in a rematch against the balanced attack of Indiana.

Against the spread (ATS)

Take the insurance and go with the PACERS +1.5 (-115), though it’s not as rewarding as the money line play. It’ll serve us well to hedge against some potential late-game free throws. The two teams split last season’s head-to-head series 1-1 with both games played within a 5-point margin.

Over/Under (O/U)

Bet the OVER 218.5 (-110). Sunday’s contest saw a total of just 115 points scored, but the two meetings in the 2019-20 campaign saw totals of 139 and 125 points scored.

The fear is with the Celtics struggling to hold up their end of the bargain with Walker’s absence hurting ball movement, but Oladipo’s return to the lineup will provide a boost to the overall total.

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Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Boston Celtics at Indiana Pacers NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Boston Celtics (1-1) visit the Indiana Pacers (2-0) at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse Sunday for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we analyze the Celtics-Pacers NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Celtics at Pacers: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:23 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Celtics -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Pacers +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Celtics -2.5 (-105) | Pacers +2.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under: 220.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Celtics at Pacers: Key Injuries

Celtics

  • PG Kemba Walker (knee) out

Pacers

  • SG Jeremy Lamb (knee) out

Special NBA Betting Promotion!

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Celtics at Pacers: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Celtics 117, Pacers 108

Money line (ML)

The Celtics got Grinch’d on Christmas in a 123-95 loss at home as 3-point underdogs vs. the Brooklyn Nets. It rained Nets 3’s in Boston as Brooklyn sank 15 of 29 3-pointers (seven more than the Celtics). Brooklyn also did a great job getting to the foul line and made twice as many free throws as the Celtics.

The Pacers offense looks updated and a little scary under first-year head coach Nate Bjorkgren. Indiana has scored 121 and 125 points in its first two games albeit vs. the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls but still, the Pacers are rolling bad teams. You cannot knock them for the schedule.

We’re inherently getting some value on the Celtics in this spot since they took a 28-point whooping on Christmas (a high-profile game) and the Pacers are a top-six Eastern Conference team.

The score looked terrible, granted, but there are positives to take away from that Bucks-Celtics game. Boston had more assists, points in the paint and rebounds than the Nets. Brooklyn just made tough shots. That’s going to happen when you’re playing against superstars.

Let’s say Boston has a get-right game and picks up a nice win. I am betting CELTICS (-135) for 1.5 units.

Against the spread (ATS)

If you go through my handicapping history, you’ll see how rarely I’ll play a favorite on the money line. The Celtics’ -135 ML price is nearly the cutoff point, and if I’m going to lay an extra 35 cents on the dollar to take Boston, I’ll have to PASS on the spread.

No way I’d take the Pacers plus points. That’s a strategy I’d never use pregame (taking the favorite on the money line and the underdog plus points). However, if you want to live bet a dog as a middle or hedge, now that’s a different conversation.

Over/Under (O/U)

Let’s BET OVER 220.5 (-110) for just a half-unit. We are fading the perceived sharp side as more money is on the Over while the Under has more action, according to Pregame.com.

I have a hunch this is sharp money is a robotic play on two traditionally strong defenses playing each other at the end of the week. Well, the season just started Tuesday so I don’t think fatigue is coming into play.

More importantly, the Pacers are playing at a faster pace and jacking more 3’s, and the Celtics feature two elite wings— PF Jayson Tatum and SG Jaylen Brown—who are coming into their basketball primes.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Christmas Day’s Brooklyn Nets at Boston Celtics NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The Brooklyn Nets (1-0) head to TD Garden to visit the Boston Celtics (1-0) in the third game of the NBA Christmas slate. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Nets-Celtics NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Nets at Celtics: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 6:31 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Nets -150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Celtics +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Nets -3.5 (-105) | Celtics +3.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under: 227.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Nets at Celtics: Key Injuries

Celtics

  • PG Kemba Walker (knee) out

Special Christmas Day Betting Promotion!

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Nets at Celtics: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Celtics 113, Nets 109

Money line (ML)

“LEAN” CELTICS (+125) for a quarter-unit to pull off an upset, but also because I like Boston plus the points. Generally, I’ll sprinkle some coin on an underdogs’ money line if I’m betting them to cover the spread. If it’s either-or, take the spread instead of the money line.

Against the spread (ATS)

The Celtics took down last season’s 1-seed Milwaukee Bucks 122-121 Wednesday in their first game of the season. It took a go-ahead, 28-foot bank 3-point shot from SF Jayson Tatum and a missed free throw by reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo with 0.5 seconds remaining for Boston to pull off the upset as a 4.5-point underdog.

Brooklyn put on a show in the NBA’s first game of the season and smoked the Golden State Warriors 125-99 as a 7.5-point home favorite Tuesday. PF Kevin Durant had a ho-hum 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, and PG Kyrie Irving went off for 26 points on 10-for-16 shooting, 24 of which came in the first half.

The last time these teams met was in the NBA bubble back in August and they were headed in opposite directions. Boston rolled Brooklyn 149-115, but the Nets did win and cover in two of the four meetings last season.

Irving didn’t play in any of the four games against his former team and the matchup between him and Celtics PG Marcus Smart will be key. Smart is a defensive hound and is a perfect counter stylistically for Irving. If Smart can pester Irving effectively, hindering the Nets’ offense, then the Celtics should get an upset.

Finally, since 2017 (Tatum’s rookie campaign and SG Jaylen Brown’s second season), Boston is the best team against the spread at 157-117-8 ATS and it’s an NBA-best 16-3 ATS with an 8.8-point ATS margin as a home underdog. The Celtics hold down the home court when playing good teams. It starts with coach Brad Stevens, who’s young talent has a real chance to show out this season.

BET CELTICS +3.5 (-115) for 1.5 units.

Over/Under (O/U)

PASS. There’s a lot of offensive firepower on both sides and there is a crowd-less arena so this could be a shootout.

However, it is a Christmas game, which is one of the most-hyped games of the regular season and there could be a playoff-like atmosphere. If there ever was a spot for Brooklyn’s lack of familiarity to be a factor, it would be against a Stevens coached Celtics team.

Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Also See

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Milwaukee Bucks at Boston Celtics odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Wednesday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Boston Celtics NBA betting odds and lines, with basketball picks, tips and predictions.

The 2020-21 NBA regular season tips off for both the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:35 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Bucks-Celtics NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Bucks at Celtics: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Bucks -175 (bet $175 to win $100) | Celtics +145 (bet $100 to win $145)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Bucks -4.5 (-105) | Celtics +4.5 (-115)
  • Over/Under: 224.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Bucks at Celtics: Key Injuries

Bucks

  • PG D.J. Augustin (calf) out

Celtics

  • PG Kemba Walker (knee) out
  • SG Romeo Langford (wrist) out
  • Tacko Fall (eye) out

Get some action on this game or any other matchup with a legal, online bet at BetMGM in CO, IN, NJ, PA, TN and WV. Risk-free first bet up to $500, paid in free bets. Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Bucks at Celtics: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Bucks 118, Celtics 108

Money line (ML)

PASS. I’m on the Bucks here but see Milwaukee’s loss as more than 10-to-1 favorites to the injury-depleted Brooklyn Nets in the bubble last season as the GOAT example of why you do not bet heavy favorites in regular-season NBA action.

Against the spread (ATS)

The Bucks were 2-1 straight up but only 1-2 ATS against the Celtics last season. Boston has been a young, improving team who’s key contributors are in line to have their best seasons yet.

I gave out my Jayson Tatum Four-Year Pop Theory on the latest episode of SportsbookWire’s Bet Slippin’ Podcast. He is going to be relied upon to step up with SF Gordon Hayward joining the Charlotte Hornets this offseason and with Walker out a little while due to injury.

Tatum will have the full attention of defending MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in Bucks F Giannis Antetokounmpo and that was bad news last season. Against Milwaukee, Tatum averaged 15.7 points per game over the three contests on 33.3% from the field and 31.3% from 3-point range.

Do I think Tatum will play this poorly Wednesday? Not necessarily, but can the Celtics win if Tatum doesn’t give them 25 or more points? No, I don’t think so, and Tatum exceeding 25 points is a major question mark

Also, both teams are integrating new point guards. The Celtics are doing so temporarily with PG Jeff Teague filling in for an injured Kemba and the Bucks invested real assets into having PG Jrue Holiday run in the 1-spot.

Finally, this is the first game the Celtics, or any team for that matter, is playing at home in a crowd-less arena. Boston is considered to have one of the biggest home-court edges in the league and you’d have to think that would be lessened with no fans in the seats.

GIMME BUCKS -4.5 (-105) for 1.5 units, but perhaps wait to see if it comes down to a flat-4 closer to tip-off.

Over/Under (O/U)

While the Bucks led the NBA in defensive efficiency last year, they did so despite allowing the most 3-point attempts per game. The Celtics were 13th in 3-point percentage and fourth in effective field-goal percentage last season.

So, they are getting buckets and the Over is 14-4-1 in the last 19 meetings in Boston but how much does that matter without fans? For that reason, and the market betting the total down from a 226-point opener, I am going to “LEAN” OVER 224.5 (-110) for a quarter-unit.

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