Milwaukee Bucks will host the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of the NBA playoffs Eastern Conference semi-finals. The hosts look forward to bouncing back and taking the lead in this series. The away side seeks revenge for a defeat in Game 1 and will try to secure a positive result.
Milwaukee opened the series with a win, but they were less successful in the next match. Nevertheless, they will have the opportunity to capitalize on the home-court advantage in the next two games. On the other hand, Boston managed to improve its performance and level the series in Game 2. Now, the visitors want to celebrate on the road and get back the home-court advantage.
Milwaukee Bucks – Can they take advantage of the home court?
The Bucks kicked off the series with an away win against Boston, where they were completely controlling the game. However, they were not so successful in the next encounter, where they suffered a 109-86 defeat. That defeat ended Milwaukee’s series of four straight wins, but the home side hopes to start the new one in front of their fans. Although the defending champions had a solid 46.6 field goal percentage, they managed to hit only 16.7% of their three-pointer attempts. Milwaukee also had three rebounds less and one turnover more than their rivals.
Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to lead the Bucks’ offense, scoring 27.9 points per contest, followed by a team-high 12.7 rebounds. The Greek international is also the team’ best assistant with 7.1 per game, while he also logs 1.4 blocks. Jrue Holiday contributes to Milwaukee’s offense with 18 pts, 6.6 assists, and 5.4 rebs in the playoffs, while Bobby Portis averages 12.3 points and 10.9 rebounds. Three more Bucks players have chipped in with a double-digit number of points per match so far. However, Khris Middleton is still out injured, and he continues to miss out on this series. Besides him, George Hill is also unavailable for this contest.
Expected Line-Up: Jrue Holiday, Wesley Matthews, Grayson Allen, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez
with best odds
Boston Celtics – Will they get revenge for a defeat in the series opener?
The Celtics couldn’t cope with the defending champions in the opening match of the series, but they got the thing even after Game 2. They improved their shooting and cruised to a comfortable 109-86 victory. Boston controlled the game from the very start, having a 25-point advantage already by halftime. Not only that they were better in the offense, but the Celtics held the Bucks to only 40 points in the first half. Eventually, Boston had a 47.5 field goal percentage, while their success rate from the three-pointer area remained at the same level. They also contolled the paint with 40 rebounds.
Jayson Tatum has dominated the Celtics’ offense with 28 points per game while being the team’s best assistant with 7.2. Jaylen Brown is also in the 20s during the playoffs, with 22 pts per match, while Marcus Smart produces 15.2 points on average. Al Horford tops the rebounds charts with 8.5 and 12.5 pts, while Grant Williams has 12.3. On the other hand, Boston will have a couple of fitness concerns. Sam Hauser will be out of the selection, while Marcus Smart is listed as questionable.
Expected Line-Up: Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford, Robert Williams III
Expert Pick #1 – Milwaukee Bucks -1.5 @-110
It’s tough to get a feeling of this series since both teams celebrated comfortable wins in the first pair of games. Despite Boston being very good on the road, I think the home side will push forward to win at home, and I’ll take them ATS as my first pick.
Expert Pick #2 – Over 213 @-110
The first two games stayed under the margin, but I see these two sides producing more than 213 points in this one. Each team had its poor shooting night in Boston, and that might improve here. Give me the Over as the second bet.
Expert Pick #3 – Giannis AntetokounmpoOver 30.5 @-110
Giannis averaged 26 pts over the first two encounters between these two sides, and I expect him to lead the Bucks on the home court. He might finish this game in the 30s, and I’ll back this pick as my second alternative at the same odds as the first two.
