The Milwaukee Bucks (11-10) go on the road to suit up against the Boston Celtics (18-4) in a collision between Eastern Conference powers. After picking up a loss on Dec. 1, the Celtics have won two games in a row. On Wednesday, Boston outlasted the Detroit Pistons 130-120. On the other side, Milwaukee had its seven-game win streak halted as the Atlanta Hawks beat the Bucks 119-104. Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is probable, while Khris Middleton (ankle) is officially listed as questionable for Milwaukee, though he reportedly is in line to make his season debut. Jayson Tatum (knee), Kristaps Porzingis (leg) and Al Horford (toe) are questionable for the Celtics.
Tipoff from TD Garden in Boston is 7:30 p.m. ET. Boston is a 7.5-point favorite in the latest Bucks vs. Celtics odds via SportsLine consensus, while the over/under for total points scored is 229.5. Before locking in any Celtics vs. Bucks picks, make sure to check out the NBA predictions and betting advice from the SportsLine Projection Model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past six-plus seasons. The model enters Week 7 of the 2024-25 NBA season on a sizzling 116-80 roll on all top-rated NBA picks dating back to last season, returning nearly $3,000. Anyone following at sportsbooks and on betting apps has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has simulated Bucks vs. Celtics 10,000 times and just revealed its coveted NBA picks and betting predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several NBA odds and NBA betting lines for Celtics vs. Bucks:
- Bucks vs. Celtics spread: Boston -7.5
- Bucks vs. Celtics over/under: 229.5 points
- Bucks vs. Celtics money line: Boston -305, Milwaukee +245
- BOS: The Celtics have won six straight games at home
- MIL: The Bucks are 8-12-1 against the spread this season
- Bucks vs. Celtics picks: See picks at SportsLine
- Bucks vs. Celtics streaming: FuboTV (Try for free)
Why the Bucks can cover
Antetokounmpo remains a force for Milwaukee. He's first in the NBA in points (32.6), sixth in rebounds (11.6) and fifth in field-goal percentage (61.6%). The 29-year-old has compiled 16 double-doubles this season. In his last game, Antetokounmpo had 31 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. He should have even more space to operate if Middleton is able to effectively return.
In the backcourt, guard Damian Lillard is a solid shot-creator and facilitator. Lillard ranks 10th in the NBA in both points (25.9) and assists (7.5) while shooting 37% from beyond the arc. He's notched at least 25 points and five assists in four straight games. The Weber State product has also made five-plus 3-pointers in four straight games. See which team to back at SportsLine.
Why the Celtics can cover
Boston owns an explosive offense. The Celtics are ranked third in the NBA scoring offense (120), eighth in 3-point percentage (41.7%) and first in 3-pointers made (400). Tatum is a three-level scorer with a smooth jumper. He is sixth in the league in points (28.4) with 8.6 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. On Dec. 1 versus the Cavaliers, he had 33 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
If Tatum can't go, Jaylen Brown is another two-way force who can take over. Brown finishes with force at the rim but spaces the floor as well. The 28-year-old ranks 12th in the NBA in points (25.2) with 6.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game. He's scored 28-plus in back-to-back games. See which team to back at SportsLine.
How to make Bucks vs. Celtics picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over the total, projecting 231 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in nearly 70% of simulations. You can head to SportsLine to see the model's picks.
So who wins Bucks vs. Celtics on Friday, and which side of the spread hits nearly 70% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the Bucks vs. Celtics spread to back, all from the model that has returned well over $10,000 on top-rated NBA picks, and find out.
