If the Milwaukee Bucks want to banish the question marks around their chances in the East, a win tonight against the Boston Celtics would be a good place to start.
Khris Middleton’s expected return will give Milwaukee a boost here at TD Garden, but my Bucks vs. Celtics predictions lean towards a potent Boston offense — even with some injury doubts — thanks to Derrick White.
Check out my NBA picks as these rivals collide in a marquee matchup on Friday, December 6.
Bucks vs Celtics prediction
My best bet
Derrick White Over 21.5 points + assists (-120 at bet365)
My analysis
Derrick White has cemented himself as "Mr. Reliable" for the Boston Celtics. With other big names coming in and out of the line-up this year, White has been the glue in an 18-4 start for Joe Mazzulla’s men.
He’s got a major two-way role again here, guarding Damian Lillard and playing a pivotal role in the Celtics’ 3-point barrage, and I love the Over on his points + assists combo prop tonight.
White has gone past this 21.5 number in four of his last five outings, including a 14-point, 11-assist effort against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. With Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jrue Holiday all listed as questionable, there could be even more shots on offer for White.
The Milwaukee Bucks bring an imposing presence in the paint with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez, but it’s unlikely to faze White and a Boston team that’s more than happy to fire up 3-pointers.
The Celtics are the clear No. 1 in that category, averaging 51 attempts per game from downtown, and White accounts for nine of those (at a 41% clip). He’s poured in 19 points in three of his past five games — and a similar effort here would take the pressure off his assist tally for the Over.
White has made a habit of punishing teams for selling out to stop Boston’s premier scorers, and I see him getting the better of the Milwaukee guards at that end of the floor on the way to another impressive stat line.
Bucks vs Celtics same-game parlay
Derrick White Over 21.5 points + assists
Celtics team total Over 119.5 points
Damian Lillard Over 23.5 points
The Celtics have mixed and matched lineups this season — first without Porzingis, and now with other minor injuries popping up. But the offensive results have stayed unerringly solid, with Boston averaging 120.5 ppg (No. 3 in the NBA).
Against a Bucks defense that’s short on perimeter stoppers, I’m wagering on the hosts finding their groove from beyond the arc on the way to a big total. The Celtics raced to 130 points last time out, and Jaylen Brown has scored a combined 57 points in his past two games.
Milwaukee will need a huge game from Antetokounmpo to escape with an upset win, but I’m adding to my SGP with the Over on the points prop for Lillard, who will have to do his share of the scoring to keep the Bucks afloat.
Dame has been on a tear over the past few weeks, with 25 or more points in five straight games, headlined by a 37-point clinic in Miami. Even if Boston can unleash Holiday alongside White in the backcourt, I still see Lillard enjoying enough volume to hit this prop.
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Bucks vs Celtics odds
Bucks vs Celtics live odds
Bucks vs Celtics opening odds
- Spread: Milwaukee +6.5 | Boston -6.5
- Moneyline: Milwaukee +227 | Boston -268
- Over/Under: Over 230.5 | Under 230.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Bucks vs Celtics spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Celtics have won seven of the past 10 meetings between these teams, and this line has inched up to 8 after opening at 6.5.
- Milwaukee was on a seven-game win streak before a rough loss to the Atlanta Hawks in midweek, but now the visitors face a Boston team that’s won nine of its last 10 contests.
- These teams have served up five Unders across their last six matchups, including Boston’s 113-107 victory last month, but the firepower is undeniable — and the Bucks have reached the 120-point mark in five of their previous seven outings.
- Expect a fast start too, with the 1Q Over proving to be a winning ticket in 43 of the Celtics’ past 66 games.
Bucks vs Celtics trend
The Celtics have cashed in the 1H moneyline in 54 of their last 71 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Bucks vs. Celtics.
How to watch Bucks vs Celtics
| Location: | TD Garden, Boston, MA |
| Date: | Friday, 12-6-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN |
Bucks vs Celtics latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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