Boston was a top tier NBA playoffs betting odds chalk to start the season. Last year’s Eastern Conference Finals appearance gained attention and respect. But the loss of top scorer Kyrie Irving to injury has damaged their hopes. He is out for the entire playoffs. Where head coach Brad Stevens finds those 24 points per game is problematic. Irving supplied most of what little offense Boston generated. Milwaukee has the opportunity to spring an upset. And with Giannis Antetokounmpo they have the power source to lean on. The forward and All Star has rejuvenated the Bucks franchise.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics Game 2
Date and Time: Tuesday, April 17, 2018, 8 p.m. Eastern
Location: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
NBA Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bucks | +2 (-110) | 198 (-110) |  |
| Celtics | -2 (-110) | 198 (-110) | |
| |||
Bucks vs. Celtics TV Coverage: TNT
Boston
Game one of this series was an overtime thriller. Boston got the money in a 113-107 win. Games three and four will be in Milwaukee. In the first game Stevens found scoring from multiple main sources. Five Celtics had 19 or more points in the victory. Al Horford led with 24. Stevens is celebrated as one of the bright young coaches in the NBA. Generating a playoff run without Irving would add much to his reputation. It’s looking probable Stevens has found a formula. Giannis Antetokounmpo powered to 35 points and 13 rebounds for Milwaukee.
Milwaukee
Milwaukee is a NBA playoffs betting Odds longshot. Mediocre metrics of 15th for scoring offense and 16th for scoring defense illustrate why. Anonymous interim head coach Joe Prunty deserves credit for stabilizing the team. Taking over for Jason Kidd in January he quickly eased up on weary players. Kidd wore out his welcome with mind games and demanding ways. How long Prunty continues on remains to be seen. Record wise he was a respectable 21-16 as Bucks coach. A career NBA assistant since 2002 this is his first head job.
Big Names on Court
Antetokounmpo made the All-Star Game for the second consecutive season. Last year he won the NBA Most Improved Player Award. Dominant numbers of 27 points and 10 rebounds per game are indicative of his value. Game one saw Khris Middleton supplement the Bucks with 31 points. Losing in overtime to open the playoffs was quite a setback for the Bucks. Prunty will face the biggest challenge of his young career. Milwaukee’s state of mind will be the question of game two. Boston has covered six of their last eight sportsbook online meetings with Milwaukee. Under the total has paid in just one of the last five matchups. TD Garden has see the Celtics pay in three of their last five vs. the Bucks. Under the total has hit in just one of the last 11 in this series at Boston.
Matchup to Watch
Boston dodged a huge bullet in game one. While not a favorite with NBA playoffs betting odds they are still strong. Stevens is the difference in this matchup. Perhaps no coach is as resourceful. Beyond that the Celtics look like a team prepared to win without Irving. Excuses are not an option in Beantown.
Bucks vs. Celtics NBA games Betting Odds Picks
Boston could use game one as a huge springboard. How Milwaukee recovers is anyone’s guess. Going with the Celtics makes the most sense.
NBA Betting Online Pick: Boston Celtics
NBA Betting Online Score Prediction: Celtics 106, Bucks 94
Catch highlights of Boston’s game one win!