The Milwaukee Bucks, or at least their supporters, may have thought they were going to be getting a wounded duck with the Boston Celtics, who came into this best-of-seven series short on players. But the Celts have been double-tough in the first two games, winning both of them and coming into Friday night's game with an opportunity to go up 3-0 as these teams get together at 9:35 PM ET at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee. BetAnySports customers are treated to reduced juice, which offers a true break on the odds, and then, after the game begins, real-time wagering is enabled through the phenomenon that is known as Live Betting Ultra.

The Celtics, of course, are without Kyrie Irving, their top scorer, for the entire post-season, and they have been missing Gordon Hayward, an All-Star small forward, since the opening game. Marcus Smart is out as well, and that is something that is definitely felt as the Celtics go into defensive mode, and let's keep in mind that this team gave up fewer points per 100 possessions than any team in the NBA, giving them the #1 Defensive Rating in the league.

No one has to emphasize the sense of urgency the Bucks feel right now. If they lose this game at home, they can pretty much write themselves off, as no team in 127 playoff series with a 3-0 lead has ever lost it.

A big problem here may lie with Jabari Parker, who had a season where he was bouncing back from knee problems but can be pretty imposing when he is on his game. He hasn't had an opportunity to do that, with only 24-1/2 minutes of playing time and two points thus far. When talking to reporters, he is implying that he and head coach Joe Prunty, who replaced the fired Jason Kidd during the season, are not seeing eye-to-eye. How much that is negatively affecting the locker room is not known.

In the NBA playoff odds that have been posted on this game by the folks at BetAnySports, the Bucks are laying points at home:

Milwaukee Bucks -5
Boston Celtics +5

Over 205 points -110
Under 205 points -110

One thing that has been dependable has been the Bucks' 1-2 scoring punch of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, who have combined for 60.5 points per game on better than 64% shooting. Actually, the Bucks as a team have shot 54% in this series, yet that has not been enough to get over the hump.

For the Celtics, Jaylen Brown, last year's #1 draft pick, has elevated his game filling the void left by Irving's injury, with 50 points. And Terry Rozier, who has been called upon to do something extra in the backcourt, has 46 points, eleven assists and no turnovers. His defense is also making life miserable for Eric Bledsoe, who is shooting 36%.

The Bucks like to think that their starters can stay right with those of Boston - indeed, they compiled a +27 plus/minus rating against the Celtics' starters - but Brad Stevens, who is a very resourceful coach, is getting some good minutes out of Marcus Morris and Greg Monroe up front, and even guard Shane Larkin.

With their backs to the wall, Milwaukee could come out of Game 3 with a victory, but we are uncomfortable with laying this number. For one thing, they could not win even with hot shooting. For another, Boston is 19-5 against the spread when getting points, which is sizzling, and they are also 27-13-1 ATS on the road, so the likelihood they will crumble is minimal. And Stevens has the coaching edge, for sure. So grab the points.

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