The Milwaukee Bucks are one step closer to the NBA Finals...after their first round “bye,” the Bucks welcome a familiar foe in the Boston Celtics to the Fiserv Forum for game one this afternoon.
Bucks Update
To no one’s surprise, the Bucks dismantled the Detroit Pistons in four games. The Celtics will present a bigger and tougher challenge for the surging Bucks, though.
Head coach Mike Budenholzer has already ruled out Malcolm Brogdon for the first two games, which means he COULD perhaps return for game three in Boston. Let’s not forget that Brogdon has a thing for hitting big shots there...just saying.
Aside from Brogdon’s injury, the Milwaukee Bucks are HEALTHY! Their depth gives thema huge advantage in this series.
Player To Watch: Eric Bledsoe
After getting embarrassed last postseason versus the C’s and Terry Rozier, to say Bledsoe has a chip on his shoulder would be an understatement. I’m looking forward to see how he comes out of the gates today and how he does against Kyrie Irving.
Celtics Update
It had to be them...after taking care of the Victor Oladipo-less Indiana Pacers, they will face their biggest challenge of the season...a healthy, revitalized Milwaukee Bucks team.
The Celtics will be without Marcus Smart which is a huge blow to their defense. His versatility on that end of the floor elevates the C’s to new levels, and he’s a guy who can actually make life “difficult” for Giannis Antetokounmpo. It will be interesting to see if he returns at some point during this series.
Player To Watch: Al Horford
He’s a guy you hate to play against, but love to have on your team. Horford is sound on both ends of the floor, and has given the Milwaukee Bucks problems in the past...even when he was on the Atlanta Hawks. It will be interesting to see how he’s able to matchup against Brook Lopez on offense and defense. Lopez has struggled against Horford a bit this season, however.
Poll
Game 1: Against the Celtics, the Bucks will
This poll is closed
-
50%
Win big (by 10 or more points)
-
35%
Win close (by 9 or less points)
-
11%
Lose close (by 9 or less points)
-
2%
Lose big (by 10 or more points)