Bucks vs Celtics: 2nd Round Matchup & Prediction
The Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics are the only two teams to sweep their opponents in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. These two teams met in the first round of the 2018 playoffs, where the series went to Game 7, with Boston winning 112-96.
Now a year later, these two teams will meet again -- in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Since last year, not much has changed for Boston roster wise, but for Milwaukee they have seen a boost from the upgrades of the team and coaching. These are things that can be very influential in this rematch between two top teams in the East.
Last year, Milwaukee entered the playoffs at the 7th seed with a record of 44-38 but returned this playoffs as the 1st seed while claiming the best record in the NBA at 60-22. Giannis Antetokounmpo is having an impressive MVP level season, putting up higher numbers than last year while playing an average of four less minutes.
The Bucks have created a team that is not only relying on its starting five to win games, but also it’s bench to come in and close the games when needed. This past season the Bucks have added multiple assets to its roster and have given its younger players chances to step up. Those names include Ersan Ilyasova, who used to play with the Bucks in different stints since 2005, has done a great job in his role averaging the second highest rebounds on the team with 6.8. Giannis being in first with 12 rebounds per game. Brook Lopez who came from the LA Lakers, is averaging 12 points and 3.5 blocks per game as a Buck. Lastly, Sterling Brown who just last year was a 2-way contract player with the Bucks G-league affiliate the Wisconsin Herd has been a solid role player for the team. Brown in Game 4 against the Pistons put up a team high of 13 rebounds and 6 assists.
When it comes to management, the Milwaukee Bucks put their trust into Mike Budenholzer as head coach to lead this team to hopeful championship run. Even while coming into a position where the layout of a strong team was set, Budenholzer has been able to coach this team into first playoff series win since 2001. As an assistant with the Spurs organization, Budenholzer gained some championship pedigree during the Spurs dominance over the last 20 years. Hopefully he can carry this team to their first NBA Championship since 1971.
One set back and a tough loss at the moment for Bucks is third year player, Malcolm Brogdon. After injuring his right foot mid-March, Brogdon was hopeful to return to the court during the first game of the series, but is now looking at missing the first two games.
For Boston, one huge plus is seeing a return of a confident roster that reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2018. With Kyrie Irving back on the scene, after missing all last year postseason due to injury recovery, Irving has already dominated in the first round of playoffs against the Indiana Pacers averaging 22.5 points and 7.8 assists. Another key component for the Celtics is having a player that can potentially slow Giannis and that’s Al Horford. As a big center, Horford is able to compete with the young Buck, which was proven during last postseason against Milwaukee.
However, one thing that could make or break the Celtics is guard Marcus Smart who has been out on injury since early April. Smart is a player that doesn't bring in the massive numbers, but he brings this intense grit to the game that makes him a player that you don't want sitting out. Always looking to make the next steal or assist, this is something that can help a team when things start to slow down or fall apart.
(Photo courtesy of NBC Boston)
The series will go to a Game 7, however the Milwaukee Bucks will win it and move on to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Milwaukee Bucks have the full package and their numbers aren't slowing down even in the playoffs, averaging 121.7 ppg thus far. In last year's playoff match-up the Celtics mindset was more aggressive with a “this is my playground and we ain’t sharing” mentality in Game 7. This year, the Bucks have learned to play the same throughout the season. The Bucks know that this is their time and nobody is going to get a chance to take that from them.
Game 1: Sunday, April 28th - 10am (MST) @ Fiserv Forum
Game 2: Tuesday, April 30th - 5pm (MST) @ Fiserv Forum
Game 3: Friday, May 3rd - TBD @ TD Gardens