This matchup seems too good to happen in the second round. The hottest team in the league goes up against the defending champions. Boston can take an early lead in the series due to their home court advantage but will they be able to hold Giannis? The Bucks need to survive long enough without Middleton too. For what promises to be the most balanced matchup of this year’s playoffs, make sure to read our predictions for Game 1 of Celtics v Bucks.

Celtics v Bucks Game 1 Predictions Offer a Balanced Series

This series will probably be the most balanced one this year. Mainly because it has the second and third seeds from the East, both with a regular-season record of 51-31. The Bucks are the reigning NBA champions and a formidable team but Boston has been the hottest team in the league for the past couple of months. We’re in for a show folks. Games 1 and 2 will be in Beantown, with the former starting on May 1st at 1:00 ET. Both teams were strong and efficient in the first round. Furthermore, the Celtics completed the first sweep of the playoffs against the Nets, who were the title favorites at the beginning of the season. The last time these two met in the conference semifinals was in the 2018-2019 season where Milwaukee won 4-1. But let’s see the Game 1 predictions of Celtics v Bucks.

The Celtics had the second-best defense in the league this season. Comparatively, the Bucks’ offense was ranked third best. Because of Boston’s late-season run, they’re ranked higher than Milwaukee. Furthermore, they won both of their regular-season home games against the Bucks. Another reason why the Bucks aren’t the favorites going into Game 1 is Middleton’s absence. Milwaukee didn’t seem troubled without their second-best player but things might get tougher in this round. George Hill also remains out. As for the Celtics, Jaylen Brown’s left hamstring tightness isn’t something that will keep him out of Sunday’s game, according to reports. Giannis averaged 28.3 PPG, 10.3 RPG, and 4.3 APG in three games against the Celtics this season. Boston’s defense might not work as efficiently against him as it did against Durant. Our Celtics v Bucks Game 1 predictions should also contain a great performance by Tatum, who looked every bit a superstar in the previous round.

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The Best Betting Odds For Celtics v Bucks Game 1