The Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics collide in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal matchup on Sunday afternoon. Boston rolls into this series in the 2022 NBA playoffs with momentum after sweeping the Brooklyn Nets in the first round. Milwaukee also played outstanding in its first-round series and outlasted the Chicago Bulls in five games. Bucks’ forward Khris Middleton (left MCL sprain) is expected to miss the entire series, while George Hill (abdominal) is out for at least Game 1.
Tipoff is at 1 p.m. ET at TD Garden. Boston is favored by 4.5 points in the latest Bucks vs. Celtics odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while the over-under is 217.5. Before making any Celtics vs. Bucks picks, be sure to see the NBA playoff 2022 predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s advanced computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past three-plus seasons. The model enters the second full week of the 2022 NBA playoffs on a stunning 86-58 roll on all top-rated NBA picks, returning over $2,100. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Celtics vs. Bucks, and just locked in its picks and NBA playoff predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Bucks vs. Celtics:
- Bucks vs. Celtics spread: Boston -4.5
- Bucks vs. Celtics over-under: 217.5 points
- Bucks vs. Celtics money line: Boston -200, Milwaukee +170
- BOS: Celtics are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games overall
- MIL: Bucks are 6-1 ATS in their last seven road games
Featured Game | Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Why the Celtics can cover
Forward Jayson Tatum is an instinctive, three-level scorer with an array of moves to beat his defender. Tatum has stellar footwork with the strength to consistently finish strong at the rim. The Duke product is also a solid rebounder and defender with good length. The three-time All-Star is leading the team in scoring (29.5) and assists (7.2) during the NBA playoffs 2022. In the closeout Game 4 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, Tatum produced 29 points, three rebounds and five assists.
Guard Marcus Smart is a true lockdown defender on the perimeter. Smart constantly brings high energy and intensity onto the floor. The 2022 Defensive Player of the Year can pile up steals and guard any position 1-3. Smart is averaging 16.5 points, seven assists and 1.3 steals per game. In his last outing, the 2014 sixth overall pick dropped 20 points, five rebounds and 11 assists.
Why the Bucks can cover
Forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is an athletic freak who impacts the game in many different ways. Antetokounmpo is a stat-stuffer who produces dominant numbers on both ends of the floor. The six-time All-Star bullies his way to the rim and plays through contact with ease. The two-time NBA MVP is leading the team in points (28.6) and rebounds (13.4) with 6.2 assists per game.
Guard Jrue Holiday is a pass-first playmaker with stout defense on the perimeter. Holiday can do it all at the position with great length, court vision, and solid anticipation. The UCLA product is putting up 16.4 points, five rebounds and 6.8 assists per game during the 2022 NBA playoffs. He is also shooting 34 percent from downtown.
How to make Bucks vs. Celtics picks
SportsLine’s model is leaning over on the total, projecting 231 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread has all the value. You can only see the model’s Bucks vs. Celtics picks at SportsLine.
So who wins Celtics vs. Bucks? And which side of the spread has all the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its NBA picks, and find out.
