The NBA has far better reach with fans and gamblers than the NHL because it is smart enough to fill the Christmas Day void. As the years go on, the NBA and Christmas Day games have become synonymous. Meanwhile, hockey is nowhere to be found despite being the ultimate winter sport. One of the best matchups for Christmas is the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics. Boston is a powerful historic brand trying to find its way in a season of change. Milwaukee is the defending NBA world champion with one of the biggest names in the sporting world; Giannis Antetokounmpo. To the NBA’s credit, they make the most of a day in which Americans will be home and want sports action to pass the time with family.
The Milwaukee Bucks will host the Boston Celtics at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This game will take place on Christmas afternoon, Saturday, December 25, 2021, at 2:30 p.m. ET, with television coverage on ABC.
NBA Betting at BookMaker.eu
Odds Analysis
Although the Celtics are under the .500 mark, they have a small profit on the board for the season. Boston will get plenty of betting support from its worldwide and generational fan base. Milwaukee will also generate plenty of betting activity as the defending world champions. Assuming Giannis answers the bell, he will add to the Bucks price tag. Squares will prefer the champs on their home court.
Of great concern to gamblers is the status of Milwaukee forward Khris Middleton (knee) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (COVID List). The top two Milwaukee stars are in day-to-day status.
Boston Celtics
Boston has lost only one of its previous four games against the spread. Two of the Celtics’ last three games went over the total. Boston stands at 15-16 straight up, 16-14-1 vs. the odds, and 13-17 under the total. The Celtics are in 9th place in the Eastern Conference, one game out of the final playoff spot. The Celtics rank 14th in the NBA for scoring offense and 16th for points allowed. Jayson Tatum leads Boston with 25.9 points and 8.6 rebounds per game.
The Celtics are 45% against the spread in away games. As underdogs, Boston is 47% vs. the odds. And in Eastern Conference matchups, the Celtics are 43% on the board. As an away team, Boston is 52% under the total. The Celtics are 55% over the total as underdogs. And then Boston is 42% under the total in Eastern Conference action.
Milwaukee Bucks
In six of their most recent eight games, the Bucks have failed to pay. Milwaukee is 1-4 under the total in its last five games. The Bucks are 19-13 straight up, 13-19 against the spread, and 12-20 under the total. Milwaukee ranks 8th in the NBA for scoring offense and 15th for points allowed.
Milwaukee is 50% vs. the odds at the Fiserv Forum. As chalk, the Bucks are 49% against the spread. And then, in Eastern Conference matchups, the Bucks are 52% with the odds. At home, Milwaukee is 52% under the total. The Bucks are 50% over/under the number as a favorite. And in Eastern Conference action, Milwaukee is 56% to the under.
Naturally, Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the Bucks with 27 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game.
Boston vs. Milwaukee Prediction
In this series, the Celtics have gotten the cash in seven of their last eight meetings with Milwaukee. Six of the previous seven games between these teams cleared the total. At Milwaukee, the Celtics are 3-1 vs. the line against the Bucks. This series is 4-0 over the total at Milwaukee.
As mentioned earlier, the Celtics have shown reliable value against the Bucks.
BookMaker Pick: Boston Celtics
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
