Celtics vs. Bucks Prediction and Odds (Back Milwaukee to Move Closer to 2-Seed in East)

The Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks share a few things in common before they match up in Milwaukee tonight.

They both come off road beatdowns against the current 6-seeded Chicago Bulls, and they each have 30 losses on the season, setting up a huge advantage for playoff seeding tonight.

Boston (50-30), currently holds the No. 2 spot in the East by a half game over the Bucks. However, should Milwaukee win tonight, despite having the same record, the Bucks would have the edge over the Celtics if both teams win out the rest of the way.

With the Philadelphia 76ers also playing tonight vs. the Toronto Raptors, a win is imperative, considering both Philadelphia and Milwaukee share the same record.

Will they take advantage of both a head to head showdown at home, as well as the Celtics on the second game of a back-to-back?

Here are the latest odds for tonight's Eastern Conference showdown over at WynnBET Sportsbook.

Celtics vs. Bucks Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Celtics +6 (-110)
• Bucks -6 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Celtics +190
• Bucks -240

Total:

• 228 (OVER -108 | UNDER -108)

Celtics vs. Bucks Prediction and Pick

Considering that the Celtics have been the best team since January of the season, even off a back-to-back on the road in Chicago; I'm a bit surprised this number is as high as it is. These teams haven't played since December when Milwaukee inched out a 4-point win at home, but at that point, the Celtics were an entirely different team; just 16-17 on the season as they tried to figure out their identity.

They've since gone 34-13 in that time, catapulting up the Eastern Conference standings in the process.

So why the sizable number towards Milwaukee?

Part of what's led to the Bucks' success this year is their ability to not give Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday and the rest of their stars limited minutes throughout the season, saving it for when playoff time rolls around. No player on Milwaukee has averaged more than 33:30 minutes per night. With this game having substantial playoff implications, we may see a few more extended minutes for the Bucks and they'll be rested and ready.

Furthermore, no Robert Williams for Boston against the length of Milwaukee inside could be a problem. Brook Lopez comes off a team-high 28 points his last time out, and Giannis, via NBA.com is averaging over 33 points per night over his last 11 contests, going over 40 three of those times.

The Celtics are always a difficult out, and I think they'll keep it close for most of the game. It's partially why if I'm going to bet this one, I'll more likely to grab Milwaukee live at a better number.

I'll still lean Bucks pregame, but keep an eye for something juicy mid-way through the third quarter.

LEAN: Bucks -6 (-110)

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