May 13-
Bucks vs Celtics Game 6 Odds & Betting Pick – Can Boston Force a Game 7?
The Celtics may have very well cost themselves this series on Tuesday night. They had the clear advantage in shooting efficiency in game 5, 51% to 44% and a lead as big as 14 points. But some crucial errors late and allowing 17 offensive rebounds to just 5 of their own made this one that got away. The Bucks now return home to Milwaukee as favorites in the Bucks vs Celtics game 6 odds.
With Boston on the brink expect to see Ime Udoka put the ball in the hands of his top dogs plenty. Jayson Tatum needs to bring his most efficient performance of this series on Friday night. Tatum scored 34 points in game 5, but shot just 41.4% from the field including 2/11 from three point land.
Bucks vs Celtics Game 6 Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Bucks | -125 | -1.5 (-110) | O 211.0 (-110) |
| Boston Celtics | +105 | +1.5 (-110) | U 211.0 (-110) |
Odds are courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook
After a less than efficient night in Boston, Tatum’s total points sits at 29.5. He is 2-3 to the over (-120) in this series, with the over cashing in his latest two appearances. Game 5 was the highest amount of shot attempts he’s had in the series, so if he puts up 29 shots again in game 6 it’s highly likely he clears this total again.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a man on a mission in this series, New York sports betting sites are listing his odds for a triple-double at +750. He only cashed that ticket once in this series, typically falling short on assists. He’s still averaging 7 assists a game in this series.
Can Boston Find A Way To Bounce Back?
Losing a game the way the Celtics did is concerning for a two day turn around. It can be hard to put a loss like that behind you, especially when it’s one that puts you on the brink of elimination. But there is some good things to take away, Giannis is going to get his at the rim, but they defended the mid range really well.
The Celtics broke a streak of 232 straight playoff games in which teams were up by at least six points with under two minutes remaining, went on to win 🤯
The Bucks' chances in crunch-time? 8% 📈 pic.twitter.com/iEMqowmiYe
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) May 12, 2022
The defense has been there all series, the Bucks are shooting just 42.4% from the field. They’ll need to limit Milwaukee’s second chance opportunities though. This wasn’t an issue during the regular season as they were the second best team in the Eastern Conference in rebounds per game.
They need a better compete level defending the rim and battling for rebounds. The return of Robert Williams would be really helpful in that. Williams is a game time decision with a knee injury, he hasn’t played since game 3. But any minutes they can get from him would be huge, Al Horford was out there for 40 minutes in game 5.
Milwaukee Favorite in Game 6 Odds
With how imposing Giannis Antetokounmpo is around the hoop, the Celtics are going to need some bounces to force game 7. But for the Bucks the formula is pretty straight-forward. They shot 45% from three in their road win on Tuesday, if you pair that with their work on the glass, Boston doesn’t have much of a chance on the road.
But the Bucks have struggled to cover the spread at home this season, they were 16-25 during the regular season. Jrue Holiday made some game changing plays a few nights ago but his defensive work and a few extra made threes masked a 37.5% shooting night. That secondary option needs to be there, when Holiday eclipses 20 points they’ve won every game this playoffs.
Mike Budenholzer hasn’t been able to install the same pace as he’d done in the regular season. Boston has been so methodical and unwilling to. Milwaukee was 7th in pace this season and has the most transition points of any team this playoffs. Getting the pace up plays right into their hand as more shot attempts means more rebounding opportunities and more second chance buckets.
Bucks vs Celtics Betting Pick
I would be shocked not to see Robert Williams dressed and on the floor for at least 25 minutes in this game. Their season is on the line and his presence around the rim would make a significant impact over their replacements. If he’s not playing, this pick may no longer have much value.
The bet I’m targeting is a Jayson Tatum player prop, more specifically his rebounds. During the regular season, Tatum was averaging a full 0.5 rebounds per game more when Robert Williams wasn’t in the lineup. He was at 7.9 per game with Williams and 8.4 without.
In the playoffs, Tatum has shouldered much more of the scoring load and quite frankly conserving energy and effort for that part of his game. When Williams has been in the lineup for the playoffs, Tatum is averaging just 3.6 rebounds per game. This has been with the Celtics center playing limited minutes.
Tatum’s rebounding total sits at 6.5 in this game, I really like his under. You can find the best odds for this prop at BetMGM Sportsbook, where the under is listed at -115.
Pick: Jayson Tatum UNDER 6.5 Rebounds (-115)
For more NBA and sports betting content be sure to follow our NBA page!
