The Eastern Conference semifinal sequence between the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks is ready to tip off on Sunday afternoon. Both groups superior after taking good care of their respective opponents within the first spherical. The Celtics swept the Brooklyn Nets, whereas the Bucks bested the Chicago Bulls in 5 video games. Now, they will sq. off in opposition to one another for a chance to advance to the convention finals.
For what it is value, the 2 groups break up their 4 common season conferences, with the Celtics successful each video games in Boston and the Bucks taking each in Milwaukee. It might be fascinating to see if this sample continues within the postseason. In a sequence that has the potential to be extraordinarily shut, each groups might be wanting to begin off with a win on Sunday. With that mentioned, here is the whole lot you want to learn about Game 1 between Boston and Milwaukee.
(2) Boston Celtics vs. (8) Milwaukee Bucks
- When: Sunday, May 1 | 1 p.m. ET
- Where: TD Garden — Boston, Massachusetts
- TV: ABC | Live stream: FuboTV (Try totally free)
- Odds: BOS +160; MIL -180; O/U 218 (by way of Caesars Sportsbook)
Featured Game | Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Storylines
Bucks: The absence of Khris Middleton is the largest storyline for the Bucks heading into the sequence. Middleton has a Grade 2 MCL sprain and can miss everything of the sequence in opposition to the Celtics. If the Bucks are in a position to advance previous Boston, there’s an actual likelihood that he would have to miss the convention finals, too. Middleton suffered the harm throughout Game 2 of Milwaukee’s first-spherical sequence in opposition to the Bulls, at which level the crew introduced that he’d be re-evaluated in roughly two weeks. With Middleton sidelined, the Bucks will want the remainder of the roster to step up, one thing Milwaukee coach Mike Budenholzer is properly conscious of.
“We’ve been speaking concerning the depth of the roster, the standard of the roster rather a lot this season,” Budenholzer mentioned of the state of affairs.” Other guys have gotten alternatives and performed properly and our protection has tightened up and we have leaned exhausting on that these three video games. But we have depth, we have a very good group, we miss Khris — I do not suppose anyone underestimates how essential, how efficient he’s for us. But whereas we do not have him, we’ve to be our greatest all up and down the roster.”
Celtics: Boston’s dominant protection would be the focus for the crew in opposition to Milwaukee. The Celtics did a superb job of creating life extraordinarily tough for Kevin Durant throughout the first spherical, and the crew protection that they performed on Durant was an enormous a part of the rationale that they have been in a position to advance, simply at that. Now the query might be if they will restrict Giannis Antetokounmpo’s manufacturing in an identical method. If they will, Boston will give themselves a superb alternative to win the sequence. Though slowing down Antetokounmpo is a tall process, the absence of Khris Middleton ought to make it simpler for Boston to focus defensive consideration on him.
Prediction
As a crew close to full power in contrast to a crew lacking a key contributor, the Celtics enter the sequence with a bonus over Milwaukee. After sweeping the Nets within the first around the Celtics must be properly-rested, plus the sport is in Boston, which supplies them a further edge. Pick: Celtics – 4
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