The Milwaukee Bucks (18-28) face a daunting road challenge against the Boston Celtics (30-18) in an Eastern Conference matchup. With both teams dealing with significant injuries to star players, this game could hinge on depth and defensive execution. The Bucks enter on a four-game losing streak, while the Celtics aim to build on their recent home win. This contest is part of the NBA Pioneers Classic, broadcast nationally on ESPN.
Venue Location
TD Garden
Boston, MA
Tipoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET
Recent Team Forms
Both teams have struggled for consistency lately, but Boston has shown more resilience at home.
Milwaukee Bucks (2-8 in last 10 games, on 4-game losing streak):
The Bucks are averaging 106.4 points per game (PPG) in their last 10, while allowing 116.9 PPG (negative margin of -10.5). They’ve shot 46.3% from the field but have been outrebounded and turned the ball over at a high rate. Recent results:
Jan 29: L 99-109 @ WAS (41.8% FG, 9 TO)
Jan 27: L 122-139 @ PHI (51.2% FG, 12 TO)
Jan 23: L 100-102 vs DEN (40.0% FG, 11 TO)
Jan 21: L 102-122 vs OKC (49.4% FG, 16 TO)
Jan 19: W 112-110 vs ATL
Overall, Milwaukee ranks 27th in PPG (111.8) and 28th in rebounds per game (RPG, 40.6), with a defense allowing 115.8 PPG (17th).
Boston Celtics (6-4 in last 10 games, won 1 of last 2):
The Celtics average 113.0 PPG in their last 10, allowing 107.0 PPG (positive margin of +6.0). They’ve shot 45.2% from the field with strong three-point volume. Recent results:
Jan 30: W 112-93 vs SAC (45.2% FG, 7 TO)
Jan 28: L 106-117 vs ATL (47.2% FG, 16 TO)
Jan 26: W 102-94 vs POR (43.3% FG, 17 TO)
Jan 24: L 111-114 @ CHI (44.4% FG, 6 TO)
Jan 22: W 130-126 vs BKN
Boston ranks 8th in PPG (116.4) and 3rd in RPG (44.9), with a defense holding opponents to 110.1 PPG (5th).
Injury Report
Milwaukee Bucks:
Giannis Antetokounmpo (F): Out – Right Calf Strain (expected return late February)
Kevin Porter Jr. (G): Out – Right Oblique Muscle Strain
Taurean Prince (F): Out – Neck Surgery
Gary Harris (G): Probable – Left Hamstring Soreness
Alex Antetokounmpo (G): Out – G League (Two-Way)
Boston Celtics:
Jayson Tatum (F): Out – Right Achilles Repair
Ron Harper Jr. (G): Out – G League (Two-Way)
Max Shulga (G): Out – G League (Two-Way)
Amari Williams (F): Questionable – G League (Two-Way)
Jaylen Brown (hamstring) is not listed and is expected to play after missing the last game.
Key
Player Matchups
With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jayson Tatum sidelined, the focus shifts to secondary stars and role players. Boston’s depth gives them an edge, but Milwaukee’s veterans could keep it competitive.
Jaylen Brown (BOS) vs. Khris Middleton (MIL): Brown (29.4 PPG, 48.3% FG) is Boston’s primary scorer and will exploit Milwaukee’s weakened perimeter defense. Middleton (assuming healthy; 15.2 PPG career vs. BOS) must contain Brown’s drives and mid-range game.
Derrick White (BOS) vs. Damian Lillard (MIL): White (17.2 PPG, 5.4 APG, 1.5 BPG) thrives in Tatum’s absence with playmaking and defense. Lillard (25.1 PPG career, but recent form down) needs to rediscover his shooting to counter White’s versatility.
Payton Pritchard (BOS) vs. Ryan Rollins (MIL): Pritchard (17.0 PPG, 35.3% 3PT) has been a spark off the bench, especially from deep (29 PTS vs. SAC). Rollins (emerging as Bucks’ third scorer) must match his energy but lacks Pritchard’s efficiency.
Neemias Queta (BOS) vs. Brook Lopez (MIL): Queta (10.0 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.3 BPG) anchors Boston’s paint with rebounding. Lopez (career 12.5 PPG vs. BOS) provides spacing but may struggle against Queta’s athleticism.
Boston’s bench (Pritchard, Sam Hauser) could dominate Milwaukee’s depleted rotation.
Series History
The Celtics hold a slight edge in recent meetings, going 6-4 in the last 10 games against the Bucks (including a 121-113 all-time regular-season record). Milwaukee averages 114.0 PPG in those matchups, while Boston scores 114.3 PPG. Recent games:
Dec 11, 2025: Bucks 116-101 Celtics (MIL won at home)
Dec 6, 2024: Celtics 111-105 Bucks (BOS won on road)
Nov 10, 2024: Bucks 107-113 Celtics (BOS won at MIL)
Boston has won 22 of the last 32 overall, but Milwaukee snapped a three-game Celtics streak in their most recent encounter.
Betting Trends
Boston is 26-22 ATS this season (1-1 as 12.5+ point favorites), while Milwaukee is 19-27 ATS (1-0 as 12.5+ point underdogs). The Celtics’ games hit the over 41.3% of the time (19/46), and combined, these teams average 228.1 PPG (exceeding the total by 10.6). However, opponents score 225.5 PPG against them, suggesting potential for a lower-scoring affair with stars out. Milwaukee is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games; Boston is 1-4 ATS in its last 5.
Game Odds
Milwaukee Bucks 217.5
Boston Celtics – 13.4
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, January 31, 2026
