Celtics vs. Bucks Prediction: Odds, expert picks, expected starting lineup, betting trends and stats

The Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks meet for a potential postseason preview between Eastern Conference opponents.

Boston is a perfect 3-0 and has scored 132, 122 and 124 points in those games for the NBA's best offense. After that home game against the Bucks, the Celtics will go on a four-game road trip starting Wednesday, so there could be a bit of a preview.

Milwaukee is 1-2 this season, with two straight losses to the Bulls (133-122) and Nets (115-102). In these games, Milwaukee is shooting 36.5% (23rd), 76.8% of its free throws (20th) and is -12 RPM (27th). The loss to the Nets was the first game of a three-game road trip, so another loss would cast a dark shadow over this team with Memphis and Cleveland on deck.

With that said, let's dive into the matchup and offer some information and maybe a sweat or two.

We've got all the information and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest on how to secure your first pick, projected lineups, recent team performances, player stats and of course our predictions, tips and best bets for the game our modeling tools and our team of experts.

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Game details and how to watch Bucks @ Celtics

● Date: Monday, October 28, 2024
● Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
● Location: TD Garden
● City: Boston, Massachusetts
● TV/Streaming: NBA TV

Don't miss a second of the action and stay up to date with the latest team stats and player news. Check out our daily routine MLB schedule pagealong with detailed matchup pages that are updated live in-game with every out.

Bucks @ Celtics odds

The latest odds from Monday morning:

● Moneyline: Boston Celtics (-455), Milwaukee Bucks (+350)
● Spread: Celtics -9.5 (-110)
● Total: 233.0

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Projected starting lineups for Boston and Milwaukee

Boston Celtics (3-0)

PG Jrue vacation
SG Derrick White
SF Jaylen Brown
PF Jayson Tatum
C Al Horford

· Milwaukee Bucks (1-2)

PG Damian Lillard
SG Gary Trent Jr.
SF Taurus Prince
PF Giannis Antetokoumpo
C Brook Lopez

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Top betting trends and insights to know ahead of Bucks @ Celtics

• Boston finished 46-6 at home last season, tied for first place in the NBA.

• Boston is 2-1 ATS and 2-1 in the over this season.

• Milwaukee is 1-2 ATS and 2-1 at the over this season.

• Milwaukee went 4-10 ATS as an away underdog, the worst in the NBA last year.

• Milwaukee was the worst NBA away team last season as an away underdog at 1:13.

• Jayson Tatum is 2-1 to the over this season.

• Jayson Tatum is 3-0 on over 2.5 made three-pointers.

• Damian Lillard's score is 2-1 to the over this season.

• The Boston Celtics are 2-1 overall in their team standings at the over.

If you're looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on today's schedule, check out our NBA Top Trends Tool on NBC Sports!

Notable Player Props for Bucks @ Celtics

High point props

Jayson Tatum O/U 28.5 points
Giannis Antentokoumpo O/U 27.5 points
Jaylen Brown O/U 24.5 points
Damian Lillard O/U 23.5 points

Highest rebound props

Giannis Antentokoumpo O/U 11.5 rebounds
Jayson Tatum O/U 8.5 rebounds
Bobby Portis O/U 7.5 rebounds
Jaylen Brown O/U 5.5 rebounds

Highest assist props

Giannis Antentokoumpo O/U 6.5 assists
Damian Lillard O/U 6.5 assists
Jayson Tatum O/U 5.5 assists

Expert picks and predictions for Bucks @ Celtics

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NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) wants Jayson Tatum to clean the glass in his meeting with Milwaukee:

“Jayson Tatum has been a significant beneficiary in the rebounding department since Robert Williams was traded last season and Kristaps Porzingis was sidelined.”

Tatum had four rebounds in two of three games this season and 11 in the other game against the Wizards. Tatum averaged just 10.7 rebound chances per game, but played only 29 and 30 minutes against the Knicks and Wizards, respectively.

Although Milwaukee lost two straight to the Bulls and Nets, they will likely give Boston a fight to avoid a three-game losing streak. Tatum is listed at -110 while his rebounds over 9.5 are +114. Both are good for me.

Here are the best bets our model projects for the Suns and Lakers:

· Money line: NBC Sports wants Boston to win this game but has low confidence in the ML score (-445)

· Spread: NBC Sports likes to use Boston to cover the -9.5

· In total: NBC Sports is leaning toward a game with the total score UNDER 232.5

Want more NBA best bets and predictions from our team of experts and tools? Check them out EXPERT NBA Predictions NBC Sports page for moneyline, spread and overall picks for each of the games on today's calendar!

Follow our experts on social media to stay up to date with the latest staff content:

· Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
· Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
· Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
· Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)