NBA Milwaukee Bucks vs Boston Celtics Game 2 Spread and Prediction

Date/Time:  04-17-2018, 20:00 EDT

Spread: Boston Celtics -3

Total: +197

Following a game with a thrilling finish and the only first round opener that was decided in overtime, the 7^th best Milwaukee Bucks (44-38), are visiting once against the 2^nd best Boston Celtics (55-27), who are looking to stay perfect at home and go to Milwaukee with a 2-0 lead.

Bucks had a 44-38 record in the regular season (34-43-5 ATS). They were tied with Miami in the sixth place of the East but fallen seventh by losing the tie-breaker and they have lost their last two games. Celtics had a 54-26 record in the regular season (50-30-2 ATS). They were placed second in the East and they have won their last two.

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The Game 1 two days ago, the Bucks needed two huge 3-pointers in the final minute in order to force the overtime but eventually came up short, as Boston ended up with a decisive Game 1 win with a 107-113 score, taking the 1-0 lead in the series. Each team owned a quarter in the first half, with Boston opening with a 29-17 score before getting choked defensively in the second, scoring just 15 points to Milwaukee’s 30. The game went like that until the final minute were Bucks and Celtics made back-to-back 3-pointers before Middleton’s buzzer beater which forced the game in overtime with a 99-99 score. The Celtics outscored the Bucks 14-8 with ease in overtime for the home victory. Al Horford led the Celtics with 24 points, adding 12 boards, while Terry Rozier added 23 points and Marcus Morris 21. Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 35 points, 13 boards and 7 dimes, while Middleton added 31 points, 8 boards and 6 dimes.

Celtics are 28-14 at home so far, while Bucks are 19-23 on the road. Bucks are better offensively with 106.5 ppg to Celtics’ 104, while Celtics are better defensively, allowing a third-best 100.4 ppg to Bucks’ 106.8. Bucks have a better field goal percentage with 47.85% to Celtics’ 45.03%, while Celtics have a better 3-point percentage with 37.68% to Bucks’ 35.47%. Celtics are better in rebounding, with 44.5 to Bucks’ 39.8 (league-low), while Bucks are better in assists made, with 23.2 to Celtics’ 23.2. Celtics are the favorite once again and they will be better prepared this time, so expect them to win by more than 3 points today.

Milwaukee Bucks vs Boston Celtics Game 2 Prediction: Boston Celtics -3 (-107)