The Boston Celtics defeated the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday at TD Garden 122-119. Jayson Tatum finished with a team-high 31 points. Derrick White added 23 and Jaylen Brown chipped in 21. The Celtics now hold a 2-1 season edge over Milwaukee. Boston also now has a seven-game winning streak and an NBA-best mark of 55-14. The Celtics next play the Detroit Pistons on Friday.
As for the Bucks, they were without Giannis Antetokounmpo but were led by Damian Lillard and his game-high 32 points. Bobby Portis added 24 off the bench for Milwaukee and Khris Middleton contributed 22. After last night’s game, the Bucks fall to 44-25 but remain in second place in the Eastern Conference. Milwaukee plays the Brooklyn Nets tonight.
Betting recap for Bucks vs. Celtics on Wednesday
The Celtics entered last night’s game as -8.5 point favorites on most Massachusetts sportsbooks. While most of the game they looked like they were going to cover this number, the Bucks outscored the Celtics 36-21 in the fourth quarter, to lose by just three. The over/under was 225.5 and the final score went way over, with the teams combining for 241 points. NBA odds favor these two teams being in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Bucks vs. Celtics post-game statistical analysis for March 20
Entering Monday’s game versus the Bucks, the Celtics were tops in the Eastern Conference standings at 54-14. The 122-119 victory extended Boston’s winning streak to seven games and improved the team’s record on the home court to 32-3. Celtics betting odds still have the team favored to win the NBA Finals.
The Bucks entered the game with a 43-25 record, which was good for second place in the Eastern Conference. Boston controlled the action and held an 18-point lead heading into the final frame, with Milwaukee closing the gap late for a three-point defeat. The Bucks have lost two of three faceoffs to the Celtics this season.
| Team Statistics | Milwaukee Bucks | Boston Celtics |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 119 | 122 |
| Rebounds | 41 | 37 |
| Assists | 20 | 25 |
| Field Goals | 45-84 | 40-85 |
| Field Goal % | 53.6 | 47.1 |
| Three Pointers | 17-35 | 18-40 |
| Three Point % | 48.6 | 45.0 |
| Free Throws | 12-14 | 24-29 |
| Free Throw % | 85.7 | 82.8 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 9 |
Bucks vs. Celtics player highlights
In a potential playoff matchup, the NBA’s leading stars didn’t disappoint on Wednesday night in the third game between the top two teams in the Eastern Conference.
Milwaukee Bucks leaders from Wednesday’s game against the Celtics
The Bucks weren’t helped by the fact Giannis Antetokounmpo missed Wednesday’s game, but Damian Lillard, Bobby Portis and Khris Middleton did their best to make it close. Lillard the way with 32 points, including 6-for-10 from the 3-point line. Here are Milwaukee’s top players from last night:
- Damian Lillard (PG): 32 PTS, 4 RBS, 6 ASTS
- Bobby Portis (F): 24 PTS, 15 RBS, 0 ASTS
- Khris Middleton (SF): 22 PTS, 6 RBS, 6 ASTS
- Patrick Beverley (PG): 9 PTS, 0 RBS, 0 ASTS
- Brook Lopez (C): 8 PTS, 2 RBS, 4 ASTS
Boston Celtics leaders from Wednesday’s game against the Bucks
Missing just Jrue Holiday last night, the Celtics were led by the big three of Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Jaylen Brown. Tatum notched 31 points, while White continued his hot stretch with 23 points and a team-high eight assists. Kristaps Porzingis returned from a few games off, and didn’t miss a beat. Here’s a look at the Celtics’ top performers from their win on March 20 against the Bucks:
- Jayson Tatum (PF): 31 PTS, 8 REB, 4 ASTS
- Derrick White (PG): 23 PTS, 5 REB, 8 ASTS
- Jaylen Brown (SG): 21 PTS, 8 REB, 2 ASTS
- Payton Pritchard (PG): 19 PTS, 6 REB, 3 ASTS
- Kristaps Porzingis (C): 17 PTS, 3 REB, 2 ASTS
