Milwaukee Bucks vs Boston Celtics Picks and Predictions November 10th 2024

The Boston Celtics (-181) will travel to take on the Milwaukee Bucks (+154) in a matchup between two Eastern Conference teams. The Celtics come in as 4-point favorites and have a record of 8-2. The Bucks are 2-7 on the season and will be playing at home in the Fiserv Forum. Tip-off is set for 3:30 ET and the game can be seen on NBCS.

As of now, the over/under line is set at 228.5. Boston is 4-point favorites and has a moneyline of -181. Milwaukee is 2-7 on the season and has a moneyline of +154. This game will be played at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee and is set to tip-off at 3:30 ET. NBCS will have the TV coverage.

Celtics vs. Bucks Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks
• Where: Milwaukee at Fiserv Forum
• Date: Sunday, November 10th
• Betting Odds BOS -4, BOS -181 | MIL +154 O/U 228.5

The Celtics Can Win If…

The Celtics improved to 8-2 on the season with a 108-104 win over the Nets on Friday. Boston, who were favored by 13.5 points, didn’t cover the spread, and the total score of 212 points fell short of the 221.5 O/U line.

Brooklyn started strong with a 12-0 run, but Boston chipped away at the lead, winning the 2nd quarter 25-23. The teams were tied at 27 in the 3rd, and Boston edged out the Nets 18-16 in the 4th to secure the win.

Jayson Tatum led the Celtics to a win over the Nets, scoring 33 points and hitting 5 threes at 38.5% efficiency. Payton Pritchard added 20 points, knocking down 3 threes at 42.9%, while Jrue Holiday contributed 17 points, shooting 57.1% from the field.

As a team, Boston struggled from beyond the arc, making just 26.4% of their threes, with 14 made overall. Their overall field goal percentage was 43.3% in the game.

Boston’s defense stepped up in the 4th quarter, holding the Nets to just 16 points and securing a 108-104 win. The Celtics gave up 28 points in the 1st quarter but tightened up in the 2nd, allowing 23 points, and then 27 in the 3rd.

The Celtics limited the Nets to 41% shooting, including just 10 made threes on 26% shooting from deep. Brooklyn went 12/15 from the free-throw line. Boston grabbed 35 defensive rebounds, gave up 12 offensive boards, and added 7 steals and 9 blocks.

• In their last five games away from home, the Celtics have a straight up record of 4-1 while going 2-3 vs the spread. The team averaged 123 points per game in this stretch.
• Across their last five matchups as the betting favorite, the Celtics have an overall record of 4-1 while going 2-3 against the spread.
• Over their last three games, the Celtics have an over/under record of 1-2 and are 1-2 vs. the spread.

The Bucks Can Win If…

The Bucks fell to 2-7 on the season after a 116-94 road loss to the Knicks on Friday. Milwaukee, who entered the game as +6.5 point underdogs, failed to cover the spread. The total score of 210 points was below the O/U line of 224.

Milwaukee struggled early, falling behind 32-25 after the 1st quarter and 34-22 in the 2nd. The Bucks played the Knicks evenly in the 3rd, but they couldn’t make a comeback, as they trailed 91-72 going into the 4th and were outscored 25-22 in the final quarter.

The Bucks struggled offensively in their 116-94 loss to the Knicks, shooting just 43.4% from the field. Their three-point shooting was particularly poor, hitting only 7 threes at a 23.3% rate.

Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 24 points and 12 rebounds, scoring 10 points in the 3rd quarter. Damian Lillard added 19 points, with 8 coming in the 2nd quarter.

Defensively, the Bucks struggled in the 1st and 2nd quarters, giving up 32 and 34 points, respectively, before tightening up in the 3rd and 4th, where they allowed 25 points in each. Overall, Milwaukee allowed the Knicks to shoot 47% from the field.

The Bucks did a solid job defending the three, as New York hit 14 threes on 30% shooting. The Knicks also went 16/19 from the free-throw line. Milwaukee finished with 30 defensive rebounds, but they allowed 14 offensive boards and recorded just 1 steal.

• Across their five previous home games, Milwaukee has an ATS mark of 1-4. Their straight up record in these matchups was 0-5 while averaging 103 points per game.
• As the betting underdog, the Bucks have an ATS mark of just 2-3 in their last five games. Milwaukee posted a straight up mark of 1-4 in these matchups.
• In their last three games, the Bucks have an over/under record of 1-2 and are 1-2 vs. the spread.

The Lean

As the underdogs with a spread of +4, we recommend going with the Bucks on the point spread. We not only see them covering the spread but also have a strong likelihood of winning this one outright, especially if you’re seeking a higher payout on the moneyline.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 228.5, and our model predicts the Celtics and Bucks to score a combined 253 points. We recommend betting on the over.

The Boston Celtics will look to secure their second victory of the season over the Milwaukee Bucks when they meet again on Sunday afternoon, this time in Milwaukee. Boston won their first matchup 119-108 on October 28, powered by a 30-point performance from Jaylen Brown and a standout 28-point showing from Payton Pritchard, who knocked down eight three-pointers. The Celtics used a decisive 18-2 run spanning the end of the third quarter and beginning of the fourth to take control of that game.

However, the Celtics may have to play without Brown, who has been sidelined with a strained left hip flexor for the last four games. His availability remains uncertain, as he and center Luke Kornet (right hamstring tightness) are both day-to-day, according to coach Joe Mazzulla. Brown’s absence could be a significant factor, as he brings not only scoring power but also defensive versatility to match up with Milwaukee’s stars.

In the previous meeting, Milwaukee leaned heavily on their All-Star duo, with Damian Lillard tallying 33 points and Giannis Antetokounmpo contributing 30 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. Despite these strong performances, the Bucks couldn’t close out the game, struggling to contain Boston’s offense in the final stretch.

Bucks Seek Consistency Amid Road Struggles

Milwaukee is facing additional challenges heading into Sunday’s game. They briefly ended a six-game losing streak with a commanding 123-100 win over the Utah Jazz on Thursday but followed that up with a disappointing 116-94 loss to the New York Knicks on Friday. The Bucks’ road struggles have continued, dropping them to a concerning 1-5 in away games. Antetokounmpo was visibly frustrated with the team’s effort against the Knicks, emphasizing that a lack of competitiveness would likely spell trouble against Boston.

“We’ve got Boston in two days. We don’t compete, we’re going to lose by 30,” Antetokounmpo said candidly after the loss to the Knicks, underscoring the urgency for Milwaukee to bring intensity on every possession.

Celtics Riding High After Gritty Win Over Nets

Boston, meanwhile, enters Sunday’s game after a gritty 108-104 overtime win against the Brooklyn Nets on Friday. Jayson Tatum led the charge with 33 points and nine rebounds, while Payton Pritchard contributed 20 points, including six critical points in overtime. The Celtics were forced to grind out the win, especially with a season-low shooting performance from beyond the arc, hitting just 26.4% on 14-of-53 shooting from three-point range. Despite the rough shooting night, Boston’s confidence remains high.

Al Horford noted the team’s trust in their shooters, saying, “We work at this every day, and those are shots that we have to take. We had a lot of good looks, and you just have to take them and trust in your process.”

The Celtics’ three-point shooting woes will be a focal point as they look to improve from Friday’s game and exploit Milwaukee’s perimeter defense. If Brown is out again, Pritchard and Sam Hauser may be called upon to provide additional scoring punch from the bench.

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Key Factors for the Matchup

Jaylen Brown’s Status

His availability could tip the scales, given his scoring and defensive presence, especially against Lillard and Antetokounmpo. Without Brown, Boston’s rotation may look different, with an increased reliance on Tatum, Pritchard, and Hauser to carry the scoring load.

Three-Point Shooting

Boston’s shooting struggles were evident on Friday, and they’ll need a sharper performance from deep to stretch Milwaukee’s defense and create separation. Consistent three-point shooting from Boston could limit Milwaukee’s ability to pack the paint against Tatum and other driving players.

Giannis’ Intensity

After calling out his team’s effort, expect a focused and aggressive Antetokounmpo. Milwaukee will need him to set the tone defensively and on the boards. Giannis’ ability to establish early dominance in the paint and energize his teammates will be crucial for the Bucks.

Damian Lillard’s Playmaking

Lillard’s ability to orchestrate the Bucks’ offense and create open shots for teammates will be essential for Milwaukee to keep pace with Boston’s high-octane attack. Lillard’s shooting and decision-making under pressure could be the difference-maker if the game is close.

Bench Contributions

With potential absences on both sides, the benches will play a vital role. Boston’s Pritchard and Hauser, and Milwaukee’s key reserves, will need to provide scoring off the bench. A strong performance from the bench could be decisive in a high-stakes game like this.

Outlook

Sunday’s game promises to be another test of resilience and execution for both teams. The Bucks, looking to overcome their inconsistent start and defend their home court, must tighten up defensively and play with the grit that Antetokounmpo has demanded. Meanwhile, the Celtics will aim to continue their early success, relying on their depth and defensive schemes to limit the impact of Milwaukee’s star duo.