The Milwaukee Bucks (7-0) try to stay unbeaten when they take on the Boston Celtics (5-2) at TD Garden. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 1, 2018, and will air on TNT.
Boston opened as a 2-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 215 points.
Milwaukee Bucks at Boston Celtics ATS Prediction
The last time the Bucks played, they defeated the Toronto Raptors, 124-109, as 2-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (233) came in over the O/U total of 223. Milwaukee was lights out from beyond the arc (19-45; 42.2 percent). Toronto, on the other hand, had a turnover percentage of 8.0 (better than their season average of 11.8). With 19 points on 8-for-12 shooting, Ersan Ilyasova led Milwaukee in scoring.
The Celtics won a close one over the Detroit Pistons in their last game, 108-105, but failed to cover as 8.5-point favorites. The game’s combined points (213) came in just over the O/U total of 212. The Celtics forced 17 turnovers and had a free throw rate of 0.298 (above their season average of 0.172). Kyrie Irving was the game’s high scorer with 31 points on 10-for-16 shooting.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the NBA’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Boston ranks 27th in possessions per game (97.9) and Milwaukee is 24th (98.4) dating back to last season.
Milwaukee holds records of 7-0 straight up (SU) and 5-2 against the spread (ATS). Of the Bucks’ 7 games, five have finished over the total.
Boston is 5-2 SU, but they struggle covering the spread (3-4 ATS). Contrary to Milwaukee, Celtics games have typically gone under the O/U total (71.4 percent).
The Celtics won six out of 11 matchups against the Bucks last season. In the last game, Boston won 112-96. The Celtics had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (28.2 vs. 11.4) and had a better turnover percentage (13.1 vs. 15.5).
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Celtics, ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
When holding opponents below 100 points, Boston is 45-8 and Milwaukee is 21-6.
The Bucks are 47-22 when they score more than 100 points, while the Celtics are 56-16.
Milwaukee ranks third in points off turnovers per game (17.8) while Boston ranks 26th (15.1).
The Bucks rank seventh in points in the paint per game (47.7) while the Celtics rank 29th (40.0).
Boston ranks fourth in second chance points allowed per game (11.1) while Milwaukee ranks 23rd (13.1).
The Bucks rank sixth in fast break points per game (14.6) while the Celtics rank 25th (9.8).
Boston ranks 10th in rebounds per game (44.3) while Milwaukee ranks 29th (40.9).
The Bucks rank fifth in steals per game (8.4) while the Celtics rank 23rd (7.2).
Milwaukee ranks fourth in blocks per game (5.6) while Boston ranks 20th (4.4).
The Celtics rank 10th in three pointers attempted per game (30.6) while the Bucks rank 25th (25.9).
Boston ranks third in assists allowed per game (21.2) while Milwaukee ranks 15th (23.3).
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