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Celtics vs. Bucks prediction and odds for Thursday, March 30

By Josh Yourish

Dec 25, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Milwaukee Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) defends against Boston Celtics small forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Milwaukee Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) defends against Boston Celtics small forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Talk about a look ahead spot for the Boston Celtics. Tuesday was one of Boston’s worst games of the season when you consider how they had a chance to make up ground on the Milwaukee Bucks, the team ahead of them in the Eastern Conference standings. The Bucks are in first at 55-21, the best record in the league.

Now, the Celtics are 3.0 games back at 52-24, the second best record in the NBA.

Last night, the Bucks did not succumb to the fate of the Celtics, looking ahead to this important matchup. Instead, Milwaukee took care of business, 149-136 against the Pacers. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 38 points, 17 rebounds and 12 assists in just 32 minutes.

It’s the marquee matchup tonight, so let’s take a look at the odds for this one.

Celtics vs. Bucks odds, spread and total

Celtics vs. Bucks prediction and pick

The outlook of this game almost entirely hinges on the availability of two players who are listed as questionable for the Celtics tonight, Rob and Grant Williams. Those are their two options to be the primary defender against Giannis Antetokounmpo. Grant Williams might think he’s the Giannis stopper, but in reality Giannis is averaging 31.5 points, 11.0 boards and 6.0 assists against Boston this season and in the seven game playoff series last year, he averaged 33.9, 14.7, and 7.1.

So, maybe even if those two can get on the floor, they might not have any chance against Giannis. Like it does most times between these teams, Jayson Tatum and Giannis both play well and it comes down to the role players.

Boston’s month has been confounding. The Celtics are second in net rating, 7.6, only behind Philadelphia, yet they’re only 8-6 and have had bad losses like to Washington on Tuesday. It’s hard for me to trust this team in a big spot. Most of their wins this month have come against bad tanking teams, two against Portland, one vs. San Antonio and another against Indiana.

Boston is too inconsistent to trust to win a big game right now, especially if their best defensive options against Giannis are sidelined.

Follow all Josh Yourish’s bets HERE

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change