NBA Betting: Celtics, Bucks Return From Break

The NBA returns from the all-star break Thursday night with a matchup between two of the top teams from the Eastern Conference as the Boston Celtics visit the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Celtics went into the break 7-2 straight up and 4-4-1 against the spread in their last nine games. In their final game before the break, they knocked off the Detroit Pistons 116-110 as a 3.5-point favorite at Bovada Sportsbook. On the road Boston has won four straight at 2-1-1 ATS, and has been a strong UNDER play for totals bettors on the road lately at 6-0 UNDER in its last six.

The Bucks were rolling heading into the break at 8-1 SU and ATS in their last nine. In their last game, they defeated the Indiana Pacers 106-97 as a 4.5-point favorite. At home Milwaukee is 5-1 SU and 3-3 ATS in its last six.

The Celtics and Bucks have split their season series so far with one win apiece SU and ATS. The last 10 matchups are also split evenly at 5-5 SU, but Boston has a slight edge ATS at 7-3. In Milwaukee, the Bucks have won four straight against Boston at 2-2 ATS, but they’re a lousy 3-8 ATS against the Celtics in their last 11 at home.

Rockets have dominated Lakers

Also on tap Thursday night, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers return from the break to host James Harden and the Houston Rockets.

The Lakers are a lackluster 1-4 SU and 2-3 ATS in their last five, and 3-8 SU and 5-6 ATS in their last 11. In their last game before the break, they were upset by the Atlanta Hawks 117-113 as a 6-point favorite. They haven’t been any better at home at 2-4 SU and 1-4-1 ATS in their last six.

Houston is 4-2 SU and 3-3 ATS in its last six and was also upset in its last game, falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves 121-111 as a 4-point favorite. Houston has been a bad pick for bettors for a while with a 4-10 ATS mark in its last 14 games.

Houston has won both matchups against the Lakers this season while going 1-1 ATS. Overall, Houston has won five straight against the Lakers at 2-3 ATS. In their last 15 matchups, the Rockets are 13-2 SU and 10-5 ATS.

Cellar-dwellers meet in Cleveland

Finally, Thursday delivers a matchup between two of the NBA’s worst when the Phoenix Suns take on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Phoenix has lost 15 straight while going 5-10 ATS. On the road the Suns have dropped 11 in a row at 4-7 ATS.

Cleveland is 3-11 SU and 5-8-1 ATS in its last 14 games. At home the Cavaliers are just as lousy at 2-12 SU and 5-9 ATS in their last 14. Even if Cleveland is favored Thursday night, it may not make a major difference, as the team is 2-3 SU and ATS this season when favored.

Cleveland has dominated this matchup, winning seven straight against the Suns while going 4-3 ATS.