This Eastern Conference showdown at Fiserv Forum takes on a different complexion with both the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks missing their franchise cornerstones. Boston's Jayson Tatum (Achilles) and Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo (Calf) will be sidelined, putting the spotlight squarely on the supporting casts and secondary stars to carry the load in this divisional rivalry.
Celtics vs Bucks Betting Picks
The Celtics roll into Milwaukee riding momentum from a 121-113 road victory against the Toronto Raptors, where Jaylen Brown exploded for 30 points to lead the charge. Meanwhile, the Bucks are looking to bounce back at home after dropping a disappointing 101-116 decision to the Philadelphia 76ers, despite Bobby Portis chipping in 22 points.
With both superstars out, this becomes a crucial test of depth and a golden opportunity for role players to step into the spotlight.
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Celtics vs Bucks Betting Odds
Date: December 11, 2025
Time: 8:00 PM EST
Venue: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
TV: NBCS-BOS, FDSWI
Despite playing on the road without Tatum, the Celtics enter as heavy favorites in this matchup. The betting lines reflect strong confidence in Boston's superior depth compared to a Bucks squad also missing its primary star.
- Moneyline: Celtics (-417) | Bucks (+320)
- Spread: Celtics -9.5 (-102) | Bucks +9.5 (-118)
- Total: Over/Under 224.5 (O -110 / U -110)
Betting odds courtesy of MGM.
The odds establish Boston as the clear favorite, with the -417 moneyline suggesting bookmakers have strong confidence in the Celtics' ability to win. The spread has moved in Boston's favor, opening at -7.5 before shifting to -9.5, indicating the money is backing the Celtics to win comfortably even on the road.
Celtics vs Bucks Statistical Breakdown: Where the Game Will Be Won
Without their offensive engines, this game comes down to discipline, defense, and depth. Offensively, these teams are closely matched on paper - the Celtics average 117.2 points per game while the Bucks put up 115.1. Milwaukee has been the more efficient shooting team at home, connecting on an impressive 41% of their three-pointers compared to Boston's 37% on the road.
The real statistical mismatch emerges on the defensive end and on the glass. Boston has been significantly better defensively, holding opponents to just 110.6 points per game, while Milwaukee has struggled, allowing 118.0 points per contest.
This disparity gets amplified by Boston's dominance in rebounding - the Celtics boast a 50.4% total rebound percentage that dwarfs Milwaukee's 46.7%. This advantage translates directly into extra possessions, as Boston generates 17.5 second-chance points per game compared to Milwaukee's meager 10.5.
The key battle will be Boston's frontcourt against a Bucks team that will struggle to control the boards without Giannis anchoring the paint. Brown, coming off his 30-point explosion, will lead Boston's attack while Portis needs to replicate his 22-point effort and find help from his teammates to keep pace.
Injury Report: Star Power Sidelined on Both Sides
Both teams enter significantly shorthanded, with the headline being the absence of each franchise's cornerstone player. Losing Tatum and Antetokounmpo removes the primary offensive focal points and forces both rosters to lean heavily on their depth.
Boston Celtics
- Jayson Tatum (F-G): Out (Achilles)
- Chris Boucher (F): Out (Illness)
- Ron Harper Jr. (G-F): Out (Knee)
- Amari Williams (F-C): Out (Hand)
Milwaukee Bucks
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (F): Out (Calf)
- Taurean Prince (F): Out (Neck)
- AJ Green (G): Day To Day (Shoulder)
Tatum's absence removes one of Boston's primary scorers and primary playmaker, placing enormous pressure on Brown to be the offensive catalyst. For Milwaukee, losing Antetokounmpo - who's expected to miss two-to-four weeks - creates a massive void in the paint on both ends.
The Bucks also miss Prince's defensive versatility, as he remains out indefinitely following neck surgery. While Boston is missing several rotation pieces, Milwaukee's injury burden appears far more severe.
Game Prediction: Celtics' Depth Will Prevail
Even without Tatum, the Celtics possess a level of depth and defensive structure that Milwaukee simply can't match without Antetokounmpo. The Bucks' defensive struggles are already evident - they're allowing 118.0 points per game - and removing their best defender and rim protector creates a recipe for disaster against Boston's potent offense led by Brown.
The most significant mismatch lies on the glass. Boston's elite 50.4% total rebound percentage and 17.5 second-chance points per game are outstanding marks that will be magnified without Giannis patrolling the paint. Milwaukee's already poor rebounding will be thoroughly exposed, leading to extra possessions and easy buckets for a Celtics team that should control the pace and physicality from start to finish.
The 9.5-point spread is substantial, but Boston's advantages in depth, defense, and rebounding create too overwhelming of a mismatch to ignore.
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Best Bet: Celtics -9.5 (-102)
Top Player Prop: Jaylen Brown Over Points
With Tatum sidelined, Brown ascends to the undisputed number one option role. He's coming off an aggressive 30-point performance against Toronto and will be the focal point of Boston's attack once again. Milwaukee's defense is already porous, and they'll be without both their primary paint protector in Antetokounmpo and key wing defender Prince. This creates an extremely favorable matchup for Brown, who should have no trouble creating his own shot and attacking the rim consistently.
Best Prop: Jaylen Brown - Over Total Points (-122 at FanDuel)