Celtics vs. Bucks prediction, odds, line: 2022 NBA playoff picks, Game 1 best bets from model on 86-58 run

The Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics will begin their Eastern Conference semifinal series on Sunday and both teams should be riding high after decisive wins in their first-round matchups. The Celtics began the 2022 NBA playoffs by sweeping the Brooklyn Nets, while the Bucks defeated the Chicago Bulls in five games, winning the final three matchups by an average of 23.3 points per game. Milwaukee ranked third in the NBA in offensive rating (115.1), while Boston ranked second in the league in defensive rating (106.9), so it will be a battle of strength on strength.

Tipoff is at 1 p.m. ET at TD Garden. Boston is favored by 4.5-points in the latest Bucks vs. Celtics odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while the over-under is 218.5. Before making any Celtics vs. Bucks picks, be sure to see the NBA playoff 2022 predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's advanced computer model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past three-plus seasons. The model enters the second full week of the 2022 NBA playoffs on a stunning 86-58 roll on all top-rated NBA picks, returning over $2,100. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Celtics vs. Bucks, and just locked in its picks and NBA playoff predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Bucks vs. Celtics:

• Bucks vs. Celtics spread: Boston -4.5
• Bucks vs. Celtics over-under: 218.5 points
• Bucks vs. Celtics money line: Boston -200, Milwaukee +170
• BOS: Celtics are 7-1 ATS in their last eight games overall
• MIL: Bucks are 6-1 ATS in their last seven road games

Why the Celtics can cover

Despite the Nets having two of the most dominant offensive players of this generation in Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the Celtics managed to hold those two stars in check. Durant shot just 38.6 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from the 3-point line, while Irving was limited to 21.3 points per game after averaging 27.4 points per game during the regular season.

Now, the Celtics will focus their efforts on slowing down Giannis Antetokounmpo, who averaged 28.6 points, 13.4 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game during the Bulls series. Expect the Celtics to throw a slew of bodies at Antetokounmpo in an attempt to slow him down and having Robert Williams back in the rotation should help that effort.

Why the Bucks can cover

Antetokounmpo is an athletic freak who impacts the game in many different ways. Antetokounmpo is a stat-stuffer who produces dominant numbers on both ends of the floor. The six-time All-Star bullies his way to the rim and plays through contact with ease. The two-time NBA MVP is leading the team in points (28.6) and rebounds (13.4) with 6.2 assists per game.

Guard Jrue Holiday is a pass-first playmaker with stout defense on the perimeter. Holiday can do it all at the position with great length, court vision, and solid anticipation. The UCLA product is putting up 16.4 points, five rebounds and 6.8 assists per game during the 2022 NBA playoffs. He is also shooting 34 percent from downtown. 

How to make Bucks vs. Celtics picks

SportsLine's model is leaning over on the total, projecting 230 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread hits over 50 percent of the time. You can only see the model's Bucks vs. Celtics picks at SportsLine.

So who wins Celtics vs. Bucks? And which side of the spread hits over 50 percent of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its NBA picks, and find out.