The Boston Celtics are set to face the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday evening at Fiserv Forum in a pivotal Eastern Conference matchup. The game tips off at 8:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on NBCSB and FDSWI, with radio coverage provided by 98.5 Sports Hub and WTMJ.
This contest marks the beginning of a four-game series between the two teams this season, with the next three matchups slated for February 1, March 2, and April 13. Notably, the Celtics will play three games in Milwaukee and just one in Boston due to the adjustments made for the in-season tournament. Last season, Boston dominated the series, sweeping the Bucks, and they hold a historical advantage with a 121-112 overall record against them, although they have struggled in Milwaukee with a 43-72 record in games played there.
The Bucks have undergone a significant overhaul in the offseason, making team adjustments to retain star player Giannis Antetokounmpo. Notable departures include Damian Lillard, Brook Lopez, and Pat Connaughton, while new additions like Cole Anthony, Amir Coffey, Gary Harris, and Miles Turner aim to bolster the squad. The team’s decision to waive Lillard and stretch his contract was particularly noteworthy. The Bucks currently sit at the 10th position in the Eastern Conference with a record of 10-15, trailing several teams vying for playoff positioning.
As for the Celtics, they enter the matchup as the 3rd seed in the East with a 15-9 record, just two games behind the second-place New York Knicks and four games behind the first-place Detroit Pistons. The Celtics have won their last five games and boast a strong road record of 7-5. They have also shown resilience against Eastern Conference opponents, sporting an 11-6 record in that category.
In terms of injuries, the Celtics will be without star forward Jayson Tatum due to a torn Achilles, and Chris Boucher is sidelined with a non-COVID illness. Amari Williams is also out with a hairline fracture. The Bucks face their challenges as well, with Giannis out due to a calf injury, Taurean Prince unavailable because of a neck injury, and AJ Green listed as questionable with a shoulder injury.
Probable starting matchups for the game will see Derrick White facing off against Ryan Rollins at point guard, with Payton Pritchard meeting Kevin Porter Jr. in the shooting guard position. Jaylen Brown is matched up against Kyle Kuzma, Jordan Walsh against Jericho Sims, and Neemias Queta taking on Myles Turner at center.
Both teams are looking to improve their defensive strategies going into this game, with the Celtics ranking 17th in defensive rating and the Bucks in 22nd. It’s imperative for the Celtics to step up defensively, particularly against the Bucks, who excel in three-point shooting, leading the league with a 40.9% success rate from beyond the arc.
Rebounding will be another crucial factor in the match. Historically, the Celtics have fared better when they either out-rebound or tie in rebounds, as evidenced by their 10-3 record in such games this season.
Despite the Bucks’ recent struggles, winning only two of their last ten contests, the Celtics remain wary of their rival’s potential upset capability. The Celtics will need to remain focused throughout the game, as they face the added challenge of playing in front of a hostile Milwaukee crowd.
The significance of coaching also cannot be understated, with Doc Rivers looking to secure a victory against his former team. The Celtics will be looking for intense play on both ends of the court while also navigating the ever-unpredictable element of officiating, which can sway the dynamics of any game.
As both teams gear up for this exciting matchup, attention to detail, execution, and defensive intensity may very well determine the outcome in what promises to be a highly competitive encounter.
