NBA Boston Celtics vs Milwaukee Bucks Game 1 Preview and Prediction

Date/Time: 04-28-2019, 13:00 EDT

Spread: Milwaukee Bucks -7.5

Total: +223

The team that held the best record in the NBA, the Milwaukee Bucks, after eliminating the Detroit Pistons with 4-0 wins in the quarterfinals, are hosting the 4^th Boston Celtics in game 1 of this Eastern Conference quarterfinal, who also won the first round series against the Indiana Pacers 4-0 wins.

Celtics had a 49-33 record (39-42-1 ATS) in the regular season and finished in the fourth place of the Eastern Conference. They are 8-1 in their last 9 games and in their last game they were victorious against Indiana on the road in the fourth game of the series, 110-106. Bucks had a 60-22 record (47-30-4 ATS) in the regular season and finished on top of the league. They are 5-1 in their last 6 games and in their latest matchup they were victorious against Detroit on the road in the fourth game of the series, 127-104.

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Boston are led in scoring by Kyrie Irving with 22.5 ppg. He also adds 4.5 rebounds and leads the team in assists made with 7.8 per game, while Jayson Tatum follows with 19.2 ppg, adding 5.5 rebounds per game. Gordon Hayward adds 12.2 ppg and 5 rebounds per game. Milwaukee are led in scoring by Giannis Antetokounmpo with 26.2 ppg. He also adds 3.5 assists and leads the team in rebounding with 12 per game, while Eric Bledsoe follows with 19.2 ppg, adding 4 rebounds and leads the team in assists made with 5.2 per game. Kris Middleton adds 19 ppg, 5.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game.

Milwaukee leads Boston 2-1 wins so far this season and they have won the previous game at home by one point. Milwaukee are 35-8 at home, while Boston are 23-20 on the road. Milwaukee have a better offense with 118.3 ppg to Boston’s 111.8, while Boston are better defensively, allowing 107.2 ppg to Milwaukee’s 108.7 ppg. Milwaukee have a better accuracy from the field (47.7% to 46.4%), while Boston have a better accuracy from behind the arc (36.6% to 35.3%). Boston commit fewer turnovers per game (12.5 to 13.3), while Milwaukee grab more rebounds (49.9 to 44.7) and both squads dish almost the same number of assists (26.2 to 26.0). Milwaukee are the favorite for the win but Boston are playing very good in the postseason and will definitely force a closer game than 8 points today.

Boston Celtics vs Milwaukee Bucks Game 1 Prediction: Boston Celtics +7.5 (-109)