Milwaukee Bucks vs Boston Celtics Prediction | 02.01.26

Milwaukee Bucks vs Boston Celtics Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 01-02-2026

Anticipation builds for a compelling regular-season matchup as the Milwaukee Bucks (18-28) travel to TD Garden to face the formidable Boston Celtics (30-18) on January 2, 2026, at 3:30 PM. This clash presents a stark contrast in team trajectories and current roster health, setting the stage for an insightful battle.

Milwaukee Bucks vs Boston Celtics Matchup Preview

Milwaukee Bucks Key Stats & Trends

The Milwaukee Bucks find themselves in a challenging period, reflected in their sub-.500 record. Their offensive rhythm heavily relies on the emerging talent of Ryan Rollins, who leads the team with 16.3 points per game and orchestrates the offense with 5.4 assists per game. Rollins’ overall impact, highlighted by his 16.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.6 SPG, and 0.4 BPG, makes him a crucial figure for Milwaukee. Inside, Bobby Portis remains a consistent force on the glass, pulling down 6.6 rebounds per game. However, the team’s ability to consistently execute on both ends has been severely tested, especially given their extensive injury woes.

Injury Report Milwaukee Bucks

• Gary Harris (Out): Harris (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Celtics, further depleting the Bucks’ guard depth.
• Giannis Antetokounmpo (Out): Antetokounmpo (calf) is reportedly seeking a new home, with trade deadline rumors swirling. His absence is a monumental blow to Milwaukee’s aspirations.
• Kevin Porter Jr. (Out): Doc Rivers confirmed Porter (oblique) won’t play “any time soon,” leaving the Bucks without a key offensive contributor.
• Taurean Prince (Out): The Bucks’ application for a Disabled Player Exception for Prince suggests he is unlikely to return this season, a significant loss for their wing rotation.

Boston Celtics Key Stats & Trends

The Boston Celtics, despite facing their own star injury, have maintained a dominant record, showcasing their depth and resilience. Jaylen Brown has elevated his game significantly, leading the charge with an impressive 29.4 points per game. His all-around performance, including 6.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.4 blocks per game, makes him the primary engine of the Celtics’ offense. In the paint, Neemias Queta has been a strong presence, grabbing 8.1 rebounds per game, while Derrick White efficiently runs the offense, dishing out 5.4 assists per game. The Celtics’ robust defense and balanced scoring attack make them a formidable opponent at home.

Injury Report Boston Celtics

• Ron Harper Jr. (Day-to-day): Harper Jr. made an appearance in the Celtics’ last victory, indicating he is available for rotation despite his day-to-day status.
• Jayson Tatum (Out): Tatum (Achilles) is sidelined, with reports suggesting he could miss the entire 2025-26 season. Despite this significant loss, the Celtics have found ways to win.

Milwaukee Bucks vs Boston Celtics Prediction & Best Bet

Considering the current state of both franchises, this matchup heavily favors the home team. The Milwaukee Bucks are severely handicapped by an extensive injury list, notably the absence and trade speculation surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo, which undoubtedly impacts team morale and on-court performance. While Ryan Rollins and Bobby Portis will strive to compete, they face a daunting task against a cohesive Celtics squad.

The Boston Celtics, despite Jayson Tatum’s long-term absence, have proven their mettle. Jaylen Brown’s MVP-caliber production has kept them among the league’s elite, and their supporting cast provides ample firepower and defensive intensity. Playing at TD Garden, the Celtics’ momentum and superior health make them a clear favorite.

Prediction: Boston Celtics -13.5 (Spread). The sheer number of key players out for Milwaukee, coupled with the Celtics’ strong form at home, points to a comfortable victory for Boston that should easily cover the spread. For the total points line (218.5), we project the over. The Celtics are capable of putting up big numbers, and even a shorthanded Bucks team will contribute enough to push the score past the mark, especially if the game gets out of hand and features some relaxed defense late.