Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks prediction, odds, TV channel for December 25

Merry Christmas Boston Celtics fans!

First place in the Eastern Conference and the NBA at large is on the line here on Christmas Day as the Cs take on the Milwaukee Bucks at the T.D. Garden. Boston currently holds a 0.5-game advantage in the standings but has won just one of their last four games.

Luckily, their last game was the win — a double-digit spread-covering victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown both exceeded 30 points, Derrick White and Al Horford had much-needed bounce-back games and the Celtics won the rebounding, assist, and turnover battles. That momentum will be essential against a Milwaukee Bucks squad that will be motivated to avoid a three-game losing streak against the other top four teams in the east.

Boston will be catching a break, with Khris Middleton’s status currently doubtful to play. Marcus Smart and Robert Williams’ statuses are unclear, but there’s been no indication either will miss Sunday’s game after Smart returned to the lineup against Minnesota. Williams sat with the same bug Smart had earlier in the week, but he isn’t currently listed on the injury report.

Can the Cs start a new winning streak and provide their fans a Christmas day gift, or will the Bucks be the Grinch in Boston? Hardwood Houdini has your odds and a prediction for the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks on ABC (all odds provided by WynnBET):

Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks odds, spread

The Celtics are 5-point favorites against the Bucks at home. Boston’s odds are -220 to win outright, with the Milwaukee moneyline set at +182. The over/under for the game has been placed at 226.5 points.

Celtics vs. Bucks prediction

Boston doesn’t need a Christmas miracle to defeat the Bucks without Khris Middleton, but the Houdini foresees this being a close game that’s defined by who can hit 100 first.

Pick: 226.5u (-110)

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.