Bucks vs Celtics: Odds and predictions for NBA Christmas Day basketball

The top two teams of the Eastern Conference will go head-to-head on Christmas Day when the Boston Celtics host the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden.

Update: Dec 23rd, 2022 20:19 EST

Jeff HanischUSA TODAY Sports

The Christmas Day game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics is the third of five holiday offerings and it could very well be a preview of the Eastern Conference finals. The game will tip off at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT at TD Garden.

Tracking Santa this Christmas Eve

The Celtics rank first in the NBA when it comes to scoring offense, with an average of 118 points per game. Their defense hasn’t measured up to their performance last year, but having Robert Williams III back can help bring down their points allowed per game.

These two teams played an exciting playoff series last year, which is why there’s plenty to be excited about in Sunday’s game. Milwaukee was able to force Boston all the way to the end of the seven-game series, despite missing the presence of Khris Middleton.

Exciting Eastern Conference matchup

The Celtics are tipped as -3.5 favorites against the Bucks in the rematch of last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals, with the best available odds at -110. In last year’s regular season, Boston won all four of their games against Milwaukee.

The host team has not been playing their best in recent games, so they are expected to give it their all against the Bucks. Milwaukee, meanwhile, will try to exploit the fact that their opponents have had struggles in their recent games.

This matchup is the first of three games where these two teams go head-to-head in the regular season.