The Milwaukee Bucks (20-27) face off against the visiting Boston Celtics (25-21) at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Action gets underway at 8:00 pm ET on Tuesday, Feb. 9 and can be seen on CNE and FWi.
The Bucks were victorious over the Magic 107-100 in their last matchup. Giannis Antetokounmpo played a pivotal role with 25 points, nine rebounds, and two steals. The Celtics, meanwhile, are coming off a 116-91 win over the Wizards in their last game. Isaiah Thomas was the game’s top scorer, registering 23 points on 8-for-14 shooting.
Khris Middleton has really been playing well as of late for the Bucks, averaging 22.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.8 three-pointers over the last five games.
It could be a mistake-prone game for the Bucks offense, which ranks 26th in the league in ball protection (turnover percentage of 15.3%). It’ll be facing the ball-hawking defense of Boston, which forces the fifth-most turnovers in the NBA (16.1%).
This is the second game of the season between these two teams, with the Celtics winning the first matchup 99-83. Greg Monroe put up 17 points and 14 rebounds.
The Bucks look to improve upon their records of 20-32 Straight Up (SU) and 25-26-1 Against The Spread (ATS). Over their last 10 games, they have had success covering the spread (8-2). Milwaukee has averaged 110.7 points per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 97.8. Milwaukee is one of the league’s top scoring teams off turnovers with an average of 18.5 points per game.
On the other side, Boston has a SU record of 31-22 and an ATS record of 29-22-2. Boston has records of 31-22 SU and 29-22-2 ATS against the East. Offensively, they average 105.0 points per game, which is good for fourth in the league. The Celtics are a top-five team in the league at finding the open man with an average of 24.3 assists per game. Shifting to the other side of the court, the Celtics are a terror in the passing lanes, averaging an impressive 9.6 steals per game. Boston makes opponents pay for turning the ball over, ranking third in points off turnovers with an average of 19.2 per game.
The Celtics’ win over Milwaukee in their last clash wasn’t enough for them to overtake the Bucks in the most recent head-to-head series. Their record is now 4-6 SU over the last 10 meetings. The Celtics lead the matchup ATS with a record of 5-4-1.
Predictions: SU Winner – Bos
Notes
Boston ranks fourth in points per game with 105.0, while Milwaukee ranks 20th in points allowed with an average of 102.9 given up.
Boston puts up an average of 105.1 points per away game (ranked fifth). Milwaukee ranks 19th in points allowed per home game with 101.4.
When allowing fewer than 100 points, the Bucks are 14-4 on the season. When the Celtics score fewer than 100, they are a losing 4-10.
The Milwaukee Bucks have an abysmal 6-23 record in games where they have allowed at least 100 points. The Boston Celtics are 21-11 when they hit triple digits.
The Bucks have an offensive rating of 102.4 (ranked 19th). The Celtics rank second for their defensive rating of 99.3.
Boston beats Milwaukee in both possessions per game and points per possession. The Celtics average 101.6 possessions and 1.027 points per possession, while the Bucks average 96.0 possessions with 1.024 points per possession.
The Milwaukee Bucks average an effective field goal percentage of 49.6% this season. The Boston Celtics have an abysmal record of 2-14 when opponents have an EFF% of 49.6% or greater.
Boston ranks near the top of the league in assists at fifth (24.3 assists per game). Milwaukee is ranked seventh, with 23.3 assists per game.
Milwaukee makes an average of 5.7 blocks per game (ranked eighth), while Boston makes 4.3 blocks per game (ranked 23rd).
The Milwaukee Bucks rank 17th in offensive rebounding, while the Boston Celtics rank 16th in defensive rebounding.
Boston averages 9.6 steals per game, ranking second in the league. Milwaukee is a poor 6-15 when it allows at least 9 steals.
