Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks odds and best bet

There are just a few games left on the schedule, but there is still some sorting to do in the Eastern Conference. Just a half-game separates these teams and Philadelphia, and the potential playoff series look to be more than tight enough that teams are going to want homecourt advantage.

Boston was in Chicago Wednesday night and won with ease, their third win in a row. If they lose Thursday they could go from second to fourth in the conference, though (that is how tight things are). According to the injury reports, we should get their regular lineup Thursday night. Boston has been solid playing with no rest overall this season, especially in situations where they are playing back-to-back games on the road: - 5-2 SUATS. That is impressive.

Milwaukee seems to have been prioritizing games against the Eastern Conference down the stretch. They have not lost a game to an Eastern Conference team in more than a month and have recent wins at Brooklyn, Philadelphia and Chicago. They are home for this one, but that has not been a profitable place for backers, they are just 16-21 ATS at Fiserv Forum.

There is a lot at stake Thursday night, but teams are also looking ahead. If the game gets uncompetitive, we might not see either of these teams go all in to get back into the game. It is just a good strategy at this point. 

Game Info

Boston Celtics (50-30) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (49-30)
Thursday, April 7, 2022
7:30 p.m. ET
Fiserv Forum. Milwaukee, Wisc.
TNT

Betting Odds

Spread: Celtics +6.5 (-110), Bucks -6.5 (-110)
Total: 227.5
Moneyline: Celtics +195, Bucks -235

Best Bet

Bucks -6.5

These teams have not met since Christmas Day, a game won by the Bucks. Boston has covered in all three games between them this season, though, including two wins in Boston in November and December.

Since the last time these teams played, a lot has happened. Boston took off in January thanks to the best defense in the league, but a unit that suffered a terrible setback with the injury to center Robert Williams. For Milwaukee, they have gotten healthier of late with the return of their center, Brook Lopez, to the lineup.

For Thursday, I like the Bucks to continue their recent practice of getting up for the "big games." They have been putting forth winning efforts and covering some numbers, too. 

This one is a little different because we need them to get some margin at home against Boston. I like the matchup, though.

Giannis should be able to limit the scoring of Celtics top scorer Jayson Tatum, and with Williams out, he is going to have a much easier time scoring inside. Playing at home, they feed off his energy even more and that is what I am expecting Thursday night.

Boston is not going to quit, but I think they might be resigned to using this game to "work on some things" instead of gunning for the win if it is just "not there." They are going to play the big-picture game. 

I always like Milwaukee's depth over most other teams as a means of covering games where there might be a worry about the backdoor. They are definitely the deeper unit Thursday.