Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks Game 6 Betting Preview

The Boston Celtics look to live another day tonight as they travel to Milwaukee to face the Bucks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Milwaukee stole a road win in Game 5, thanks to two clutch defensive plays by Jrue Holiday, which put them out in front in the series with a 3-2 lead. Boston will have to steal a road win themselves tonight if they want to force a Game 7 at home.

Game 6 tips off from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee at 7:30 pm ET on TNT

The Betting Angles:

Tonight’s line opens with the Bucks as -1.5 point favorites, with a moneyline set at -125. The Celtics are +1.5, with a +105 moneyline. 

Why the Bucks can win and cover -1.5:

The Bucks are coming off of a huge comeback and clutch win in Game 5 on the road. Jrue Holiday’s block and steal to close out the game ignited a spark in Milwaukee, which should put the reigning champs in good position to close out the series on their home court tonight. Giannis Antetokounmpo has also been phenomenal all series. The Greek Freak scored 40 points in the Game 5 win, and leads the league in playoffs points per game at 31.3. Milwaukee also leads all playoff teams in defensive rating, and is top five in offensive rating as well. If Milwaukee continues on their performance from Game 5 they could be set to make a consecutive conference finals appearance. 

Why the Celtics can win and cover +1.5:

Boston may still have some fight left in them. They stole Game 4 on the road thanks to big performances by Jayson Tatum and Al Horford, so another road win tonight is a possibility. The Celtics are right behind the Bucks in terms of defense, with a 103.7 defensive rating in the series. Boston also has several players that they can lean on offensively like Tatum and Jaylen Brown, but also guys who have a sneaky offensive showing every once in a while, like Horford or Marcus Smart. If Boston can contain Antetokounmpo as best they can defensively and receive enough support around Tatum and Brown, a Game 7 is a likely possibility. 

The Pick: Take Milwaukee -1.5

The Bucks have a perfect storm to close out the series tonight. After stealing Game 5 on the road they get to return home to win and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. Expect another big performance from Giannis and more stifling defense to propel the Bucks past the Celtics tonight and on to the next round.