Late word is that Giannis is apparently a no-go once again tonight for the Bucks with his hamstring, making it even tougher for Doc Rivers and his Bucks to stay within earshot of the sizzling Celtics. True, Milwaukee fared well enough without the Greek Freak on Sunday at home vs. the Suns, when Bobby Portis scored an unexpected 31, but Phoenix also hit nearly 60% from the floor, and rest assured Boston took note. The Celtics have been positively soaring, with six straight wins by double-digit margins, and even if Jaylen Brown (on the injury report with an ankle, but likely to play) can't go tonight, Jayson Tatum and the rest of his friends are well capable of extending the margin. Play Celtics

Of all the things the Celtics to exceedingly well, grabbing early command of games at home is chief among them. They lead the NBA by far at +8.9 in the 1st half at home; MIL is slow starting on road and is -1.7 in 1st half away from home (18th). MIL last 4 on road have trailed by 19, 3, 4, and 20, and that wasn't against the best team in the league. MIL is 23rd in opposing FG% on road and 23rd in opposing points allowed in 1st half on road. Celtics top five is rested and ready to go after some load management in recent blowout wins. Their game is suffocating teams early and Bucks defensive issues I believe will be acute.

BOS is the best team in the NBA right now and it's not close. Their second team is destroying opposing starters. That brings them fresh and healthy into this showdown. They show no mercy and try to win by 20+(their last 13 wins are by 8+ points). They are on a 6-0 ATS run, covering every game by at least 5 points and average covering by 9.4 points. MIL 13-21-1 ATS on road and have two recent road blowout losses. Boston makes statements when it faces better teams and I expect a strong one here after getting blown out in MIL in Jan. BOS +15.7 at home (4.3 better than any other team). MIL -.1 on road, 13th.