The Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks round off their season series on Friday. The Celtics hold a 2-1 lead after winning the last two matchups by margins of 107-79 on Feb. 1 and 108-81 on Mar. 2. The Bucks were without Giannis Antetokounmpo in the most recent encounter, while the Feb. 1 matchup marked his return from a lengthy absence due to a calf injury.
The Celtics are expected to win another lopsided battle as they brace for the NBA playoffs, while the Antetokounmpo-less Bucks only have pride left to play for after being disqualified from the NBA playoffs race. The Celtics are 51-25, hoping to lock the second seed, while Milwaukee is 11th with a 30-46 record.
Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks
NBC Sports Boston and FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin will locally televise the Celtics-Bucks game. NBA League Pass will stream the clash online globally. The game will begin at 8:00 p.m. ET at the Fiserv Forum.
Celtics vs. Bucks Odds
Moneyline: Celtics -2000, Bucks +950
Spread: Celtics +16.5 (-110), Bucks -16.5 (-110)
Total over/under: Celtics o216.5 (-115), Bucks u216.5 (-110)
Celtics vs. Bucks Preview
The Boston Celtics have been quite dominant recently, winning eight of their past 10 games. They bounced back with a 147-129 win against the Miami Heat on Wednesday, avoiding a second consecutive loss.
The Celtics recorded a 53-point first quarter with a near-full-strength team, which gave them the leeway to have a few poor stretches during the game. MVP candidate Jaylen Brown produced 43 points, while Jayson Tatum recorded a 25-point triple-double with 18 rebounds and 11 assists.
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks have three wins in their last 10 games. They are coming off a 119-113 loss to the Houston Rockets. Milwaukee gave itself a shot at causing a major upset behind a strong second half as it outscored Houston 69-65 in that period. However, the Rockets had built a notable 10-point advantage in the first half, which the Bucks couldn’t overcome.
Nevertheless, Ousmane Dieng’s 36-point and 10-assist game gave the Bucks something to look forward to, while Jericho Sims solid 20-rebound outing also stood out.
Celtics vs. Bucks Injury Reports
Celtics
Nikola Vucevic is the only player listed on the Celtics’ injury report.
Bucks
The Bucks have listed Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Gary Trent Jr. as questionable. Ryan Rollins and Jericho Sims are probable. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Porter Jr. and Bobby Portis are out.
Celtics vs. Bucks Starting Lineups
Celtics
PG – Derrick White, SG – Jaylen Brown, SF – Sam Hauser, PF – Jayson Tatum, C – Neemias Queta
Bucks
PG – Ryan Rolins, SG – AJ Green, SF – Ousmane Dieng, PF – Pete Nance, C – Jericho Siims
Celtics vs. Bucks Prediction
The Celtics are 16.5-point favorites to win. A blowout result is the likeliest outcome with the Celtics at full strength and the Bucks as injury-riddled as any other team right now.
