Celtics vs. Bucks Tuesday NBA injury report, odds: Boston can clinch crucial tiebreaker but facing longest odds in nearly 2 years with Jayson Tatum out, other starters questionable

As an avid NBA fan and bettor, I was very much looking forward to tonight's Boston at Milwaukee NBA showdown on TNT as I fully expect the two teams to meet in this year's Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics would clinch the regular-season series and a potentially huge tiebreaker with a win tonight but will be without MVP candidate Jayson Tatum and potentially every other usual member of the starting five. Thus, Boston is now to a 9-point underdog at Caesars Sportsbook – the biggest number against the Celtics since May 16, 2021. Click here for model picks.

It was known that All-Star Jaylen Brown and reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart were out tonight and through the All-Star break. Tatum was first listed as doubtful and now is out; big men Robert Williams and Al Horford are both questionable. You probably will see more of this around the NBA the next few days -- teams resting key players for a few more days off ahead of the break.

Tatum, sixth in the NBA in scoring at 30.5 points per game, is dealing with a non-COVID illness. He didn't look quite right Sunday in a win over Memphis, shooting just 3-for-16 from the field and 1-for-8 from deep. Williams notched 10 points and 16 rebounds but has been dealing with knee issues all season. Horford had 16 points, nine rebounds and five assists but often gets games off at age 36. Malcolm Brogdon missed the game but is available tonight. As of this writing, the short-handed Celtics are getting 77% of the tickets and 71% of the handle at Caesars Sportsbook.

The Celtics (41-16) lead the Eastern Conference by 1.5 games over the red-hot Bucks (39-17), who have won a season-high 10 games in a row. The teams play three regular-season games and because Boston won the first meeting by 21 on Christmas, it would have clinched the season series tonight and earned home-court advantage in a postseason matchup if the teams finish with the same regular-season mark.

Presuming the Bucks win tonight, that would now come down to March 30 also in Milwaukee. To earn the East's top seed, Boston is -255 and Milwaukee +205 at DraftKings.

Bucks Sixth Man of the Year candidate Bobby Portis practiced on Monday but will miss a 10th straight game due to an MCL sprain. Trade acquisition Jae Crowder hasn't played yet this season and won't until after the break. Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is listed as probable.

During the 10-game winning streak, Antetokounmpo is averaging 37.3 points, 13.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game while shooting 59.8% from the field. Giannis snapped a streak of 11 consecutive double-doubles during Friday's win over the Clippers, the last time the Bucks took the court.

The Greek Freak is -504 for a double-double tonight and +311 to not get one. He is set at over/under 33.5 points. If this is a blowout, which seems very possible, the Under might be a smart play as he won't need to play heavy minutes.

So which 2023 Fantasy baseball busts, breakouts, and sleepers should you target or fade in your drafts? Visit SportsLine's Fantasy baseball cheat sheets now to get rankings for every single position, all from the model that called Joey Votto's disappointing season, and find out.