Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
TV: NBCS-BOS, PCK-BOS, WCGV, Bucks+
This is a rematch of Wednesday’s game in Boston, where the Celtics (without Jayson Tatum on rest) held off a late Bucks rally for a 109-102 win. Boston is rolling early in the season under Joe Mazzulla, while Milwaukee is struggling badly in a post-Giannis Antetokounmpo rebuild under Taylor Jenkins and sits near the bottom of the East.
Current Player Rosters
Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum (team leader, ~27.9 PPG, strong playmaking), Paul George (~19.6 PPG, versatile wing scoring and defense), Derrick White (~13.3 PPG, ~5.1 APG), Payton Pritchard, Neemias Queta (rim protection and rebounding), Sam Hauser, Mitchell Robinson, Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh, Luka Garza, and others including Mike Conley for veteran minutes.
Milwaukee Bucks: Tyler Herro (leading scorer ~22.3 PPG), Jaime Jaquez Jr. (~16.4 PPG), Myles Turner (interior defense and spacing), Kyle Kuzma, Ryan Rollins, Brayden Burries (promising young contributor), Kel’el Ware, A.J. Green, and supporting cast. The roster emphasizes shooting and youth after major offseason changes.
Injury Reports
Celtics:
Devin Carter (illness/G League) — Out
Several two-way/G League players (e.g., Christopher Cenac Jr., Dillon Mitchell, Amari Williams) — Out/assignment
Main rotation is expected to be largely healthy, with Tatum available after resting the previous matchup.
Bucks:
Kam Jones (ankle) — Out or limited (G League/two-way notes)
Other two-way/G League players (Bogoljub Markovic, Pete Nance, Cormac Ryan) — Out/assignment
Core players like Herro, Turner, Jaquez, and Kuzma are expected available.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Jayson Tatum vs. Jaime Jaquez Jr. / Kyle Kuzma / Myles Turner: Tatum’s scoring, playmaking, and physicality against Milwaukee’s versatile defenders and bigs. He can punish mismatches and create for teammates.
Paul George vs. Tyler Herro / Jaquez: Wing scoring and two-way battle. George’s experience and perimeter defense vs. Herro’s scoring punch and creation.
Derrick White / Payton Pritchard vs. Tyler Herro / Ryan Rollins: Guard play and perimeter defense. Boston’s backcourt can pressure the ball and switch.
Neemias Queta / Mitchell Robinson vs. Myles Turner / Kel’el Ware: Rim protection, rebounding, and interior scoring. Turner’s spacing and shot-blocking will be tested by Boston’s size and physicality.
Recent Team Forms
Celtics (7-2): Strong start with elite defense (allowing ~105 PPG, top-tier) and balanced scoring. Recent results include a blowout win at Charlotte (119-80), the 109-102 home win over Milwaukee (without Tatum), and mixed road results. They are 5-0 or better at home earlier and playing efficient, team-oriented basketball.
Bucks (1-8): Struggling with one of the league’s worst starts. They have lost five straight, including a home loss to Toronto and the close defeat in Boston. Offense is inconsistent (~110 PPG range), defense has been porous (allowing over 120 in some games), and they are searching for chemistry in a new-look roster centered on Herro.
Series History
Boston has dominated recent meetings. The Celtics won the most recent game 109-102 on Nov. 4 (without Tatum). They have taken multiple prior matchups, including several decisive wins in the previous season. All-time the series is competitive, but Boston holds the edge in the modern era and current form strongly favors the visitors.
Betting Trends
Boston has been a strong favorite early and covers moderately well. Milwaukee has struggled against the spread in losses. Totals have varied; Boston’s defense can keep games under control, but both teams can score in transition or from three. Public money heavily backs the Celtics.
With Jayson Tatum expected to play (after resting the prior meeting), the Celtics’ star power, depth, and defensive identity should overwhelm a rebuilding Bucks team that has struggled to find consistency. Paul George and Derrick White provide secondary scoring and versatility, while Queta and the bigs control the paint. Milwaukee can hang around with Herro’s scoring and some three-point shooting, but Boston’s overall talent gap and recent series edge point to a comfortable road win as the Celtics continue their strong start.
Game Odds
Boston Celtics – 13
Milwaukee Bucks 221.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Saturday, November 7, 2026
