Celtics vs. Bucks Prediction and Odds: Don't Write Off Boston in Milwaukee

UPDATE: Giannis Antetokounmpo has been cleared from the league's health and safety protocols and is expected to play in Saturday's game against the Boston Celtics.

What follows is the initial betting preview for this Christmas Day matchup. Head to WynnBET for the latest odds for this game.

The Boston Celtics will travel to Milwaukee to take on the Bucks on Christmas. The Celtics and Bucks currently have a combined 12 players in the health and safety protocol. Christmas might look a little different, but Jayson Tatum and Khris Middleton are still set to lead their teams in a fun matchup.

Here are the odds for the matchup via WynnBET.

Celtics vs. Bucks Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Celtics: +3.5 (-110)
• Bucks: -3.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Celtics: +135
• Bucks: -165

Total:

• 219.5 (Over: -110/Under: -110)

Celtics vs. Bucks Prediction and Pick

Milwaukee has been without Giannis Antetokounmpo for the last handful of games. The Bucks are 3-2 in the last five games and have gotten a huge scoring boost from Jrue Holiday in the process. Also, DeMarcus Cousins has given them valuable minutes as well.

The Bucks are still thriving off their great defense, with their defensive rating the sixth-best in the league over the last five games and have a net rating of 2.7.

Boston is coming off a nice win against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but haven't seemed to have a complete game where both of the stars look amazing. Still, Boston's net rating is 4.2 over the last five games, and the scoring options they have give them mulitple options to attack the Bucks' defense.

Milwaukee will win this game, but I think it'll be close to the end.

Pick: Celtics +3.5 (-110)