The Boston Celtics (27-12) will try to slow down the Milwaukee Bucks (36-6) at Fiserv Forum. The game begins at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 16, 2020.
Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks ATS Odds
The Bucks won big over the New York Knicks in their last matchup, 128-102, easily covering as 16.5-point favorites. The Celtics, on the other hand, were defeated by the Detroit Pistons, 116-103, and were unable to cover as 9.5-point underdogs. The Milwaukee game went 1 point under the projected point total of 231, while the Boston game finished 5 points over the projected point total of 214.
The Bucks held the Knicks to an effective field goal percentage of 0.407 (below their season average of 0.494) and had a free throw rate of 0.250 (above their season average of 0.197). Boston, on the other hand, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 29.5 (above their season average of 24.0). Milwaukee’s Ersan Ilyasova had a solid performance, contributing 14 points and seven rebounds. Jaylen Brown, meanwhile played a pivotal role for Boston with 24 points and 12 rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Gordon Hayward led the Celtics to a 116-105 victory. He registered a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. The two teams combined for 221 points, which was just under the projected point total of 224.5, and Boston covered as a 3-point underdog. The Celtics’ turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Bucks. Boston had a rate of 8.2, while Milwaukee posted a mark of 13.9.
Matchups featuring the Celtics have typically gone under the O/U total (55.3 percent). Boston holds records of 27-12 straight up (SU) and 22-15-1 against the spread (ATS).
It’s tough to find a trend for Bucks games in regards to the projected point total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under. Moreover, Milwaukee is 36-6 SU and 24-18 ATS.
This showdown pits one of the NBA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Milwaukee currently ranks second in offensive efficiency and Boston is fourth in defensive efficiency.
Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks ATS Pick
Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Celtics rank fifth in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.8) while the Bucks rank eighth (15.5).
- Milwaukee averages 6.4 blocks per game, which ranks third in the NBA. Boston ranks 22nd in blocks allowed per game (5.5).
- The Bucks rank first in rebounds per game (51.8) while the Celtics rank 13th (45.9).
- Milwaukee ranks first in second chance points allowed per game (10.9) while Boston ranks 10th (12.6).
- Milwaukee ranks third in points in the paint per game (51.2) while Boston ranks ninth (48.9).
- The Celtics rank 14th in three pointers attempted per game (33.5) while the Bucks rank last in three pointers allowed per game (38.3).
- The Celtics rank third in steals allowed per game (6.8) while the Bucks rank 10th (7.1).
- Milwaukee ranks first in fast break points per game (18.9) while Boston ranks 15th in fast break points allowed per game (12.8).
- In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Boston is 9-2 and Milwaukee is 9-0.
- When reaching 100 points, the Bucks are 36-6 and the Celtics are 26-6.
- Milwaukee is 12-9 ATS at home, while Boston is 11-7-1 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone under in 12 of the Celtics’ 19 road games, while 11 of the Bucks’ 21 home games have gone under.
Bettings Trends:
- The Bucks are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Celtics are 2-3.
- In their last five games, Milwaukee has 3 unders and 2 overs, while Boston has 2 overs, 2 unders and 1 push.
- During their last five games, the Bucks have scored an average of 117.6 points per game (1.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 106.6 points per game (0.2 below their season average).
- The Celtics’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.6, down from 6.6 for the season.
