NBA Playoffs: Celtics vs Bucks, Game 5

Bucks Playing Well Headed in Game Five

The Milwaukee Bucks looked vulnerable during their second-round Game 1 loss to the Boston Celtics. But after three decisive wins, the Bucks have taken control of their Eastern Conference semifinal. Game 5 will be back at Fiserv Forum this Wednesday. With the Bucks on the verge of a berth in the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2001you don't expect a let down on Wednesday night. The Bucks haven't lost three straight games all season, which only makes Boston's comeback task tougher.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, TNT LINE: Bucks -8.5; O/U: 220.5.

The Celtics won the series opener before losing the next three games. Point guard Kyrie Irving is a porous 19-of-62 shooting during the trio of setbacks. Bucks MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo is clearly the best player on the floor. He had 39 points and 16 rebounds in Game 4 and is averaging 30.5 points and 11.5 rebounds in the series.

This, That, and a Dart Throw

For the Celtics, another loss could be the final game in a Boston uniform for Irving. He is set to become a free agent after the season and isn't displaying any sign that he would welcome a return. Celtics fans better hope he regains his shooting stroke in Game 5. Everyone knows there is no margin for error with few outsiders seeing them as candidates to win three straight games. PG Marcus Smart, who has been out with an oblique injury, made his first postseason appearance in Game 4. He had three points on 1-of-7 shooting in 15 minutes. PF Marcus Morris had 18 points and 14 rebounds in Game 4. He is averaging 17 points and 9.7 rebounds over the past three games.

The Bucks backup guards George Hill and Pat Connaughton have stepped up with strong efforts in this series. Milwaukee continues to play without former Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon, who is out with a foot injury. Hill is averaging 18 points over the past two games and 13.8 for the series. Connaughton is averaging 8.3 points and 8.3 rebounds and has two double-digit rebounding outings. Antetokounmpo has eight career 30-point postseason games. That number ties franchise legend Marques Johnson for second most in team history.

NBA Playoffs Betting Odds & Trends

Boston Celtics
Boston is 6-3 ATS in its last 9 games
Boston is 9-4 SU in its last 13 games
Boston is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games on the road
Boston is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Boston's last 13 games on the road
Boston is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
Boston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Milwaukee
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Boston's last 16 games when playing Milwaukee
Boston is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee
Boston is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Milwaukee

Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games
Milwaukee is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Milwaukee's last 15 games
Milwaukee is 18-5 SU in its last 23 games at home
Milwaukee is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Boston
Milwaukee is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Boston
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Milwaukee's last 16 games when playing Boston
Milwaukee is 5-12-1 ATS in its last 18 games when playing at home against Boston
Milwaukee is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Boston

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