It’s another terrific Thursday night of NBA action this week as the Milwaukee Bucks are set to host the Boston Celtics. These are two of the favorites to win the Eastern Conference this season, and they both are contenders to win the NBA Championship. Milwaukee is rolling through the Eastern Conference so far this season, while the Celtics are in a dogfight in the Atlantic Division.
Boston has had an interesting 2019-20 season, but it appears that they are starting to hit their stride. The Celtics are playing without Kyrie Irving this season, and their depth has started to show up more. Milwaukee has been tough to beat all season long, especially when playing on their home floor. The Bucks look like the clear favorites to be the top overall seed in the Eastern Conference when the playoffs begin.
Bucks Just Refuse to Stop Scoring
The Milwaukee Bucks led the NBA in scoring last season, and it appears that they are going to accomplish the feat again in 2020. Milwaukee is currently in second place with 119.2 points per game, but they are still considered one of the most explosive teams in the league.
The Bucks are shooting close to 36 percent from the three-point line, and they make almost 14 three-pointers per game. Milwaukee has also been terrific on the defensive end of the floor this season, allowing just 109 points per game. This is a hungry Milwaukee Bucks team that will do whatever it takes to win.
Reigning MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo, might not be putting up the same numbers from a season ago, but he has still been dominant. The “Greek Freak” is averaging 29.8 points and 12.8 rebounds per game, and he has had some monster games against the Boston Celtics in the past. Milwaukee has more than just Antetokounmpo, but he clearly leads the way.
Celtics Can Defend; Need More Offense
The Boston Celtics are one of the best defensive teams in the NBA this season, but they need to find some more offense as the season goes along. Boston is allowing just 104 points per game, and they have already shut down some terrific offensive teams this season. The Celtics are scoring just 111 points per game, and that just won’t be able to keep up with the explosive Milwaukee Bucks. Boston needs to find a way to be dominant on both ends of the floor.
Kemba Walker is in his first season in a Celtics uniform, and he is leading the way on offense. Walker leads the team with 21.7 points per game, but he has also gotten plenty of help this season. Jayson Tatum and Gordon Hayward are both capable of dropping 30 points, but three-point shooting has been off at times for this team. Boston should put together a great defensive effort in this game, but finding a way to score will be the real challenge.
Bucks Aren’t Losing This Game at Home
There is a very good chance that these two teams will meet up in the Eastern Conference Playoffs later this season, and this should be a terrific matchup. If the Boston Celtics are able to slow down the pace in this game then they do have a chance to keep it close.
The problem for the Celtics is that the Milwaukee Bucks can score points in a hurry, especially on their home floor. Milwaukee wants to play incredibly fast, and they can usually shoot the ball really well. The Bucks just have too much offense, and there is no way that they are losing this game on Thursday night.
Bet the Milwaukee Bucks -6 over the Boston Celtics on Thursday night. Take the Bucks at RealBookies our favorite pay per head bookie site.
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