Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Game 6 Odds, Analysis, NBA Betting Pick
The seventh-seeded Milwaukee Bucks hope to stay alive Thursday in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the second-seeded Boston Celtics when they host them as home favorites at the sportsbooks.
The home team has won every game of the series so far, with Boston going 4-1 against the spread despite playing without point guard Kyrie Irving.
NBA point spread: The Bucks opened as five-point favorites; the total is at 199.5, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. (Line updates and matchup report)
NBA betting pick, via OddsShark computer:105.2-101.8, Celtics (NBA picks on every game)
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Why the Celtics can cover the spread
The Celtics have been a bit underrated without Irving, and they have gone an impressive 7-1 ATS in the past eight meetings, according to the OddsShark NBA Database.
With Marcus Smart coming back from a thumb injury in Game 5, they have another guard who can create and score to help replace Irving, adding some much-needed depth.
Smart had nine points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals in his first game since March 11, and he will be counted on again here as Boston attempts to advance.
Why the Bucks can cover the spread
The Bucks should be leading this series considering they have the best player in Giannis Antetokounmpo along with a better backcourt.
They closed strong in Game 5 at TD Garden and nearly covered the spread as 4.5-point road underdogs in a 92-87 loss. But the Celtics made it to the free-throw line 12 more times and scored 10 more points from the charity stripe, which was the difference on their home court.
Antetokounmpo has committed four fouls or more in four of the first five games, somewhat limiting his effectiveness even though he is still averaging 25.4 points, 8.8 rebounds and seven assists.
Milwaukee should have a big advantage at the Bradley Center in Game 6 with the series on the line if Antetokounmpo stays out of foul trouble.
Smart betting pick
The addition of Smart makes Boston a better team, and he played better on the road during the regular season. However, the Celtics are not the better team in this series, and the Bucks will prove that in Game 6.
Antetokounmpo will be too much for Boston to handle, as he sends Milwaukee to a Game 7 with a victory and cover.
NBA betting trends
Boston is 5-1 ATS in its last six games.
Boston is 15-6 ATS in its last 21 games on the road.
The total has gone over in 19 of Milwaukee's last 22 games.
All NBA odds and betting trends according to Bleacher Report's official odds partner, OddsShark. Check out OddsShark on Twitter and Instagram or head to YouTube for more betting picks and analysis on this week's top games. You can also download the free odds tracker app.
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