The Eastern Conference semifinal sequence between the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks is about 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 price, 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 can be fascinating to see if this sample continues within the postseason. In a sequence that has the potential to be extraordinarily shut, each groups can be wanting to begin off with a win on Sunday. With that stated, this is all the pieces 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 without cost)
- 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 most important storyline for the Bucks heading into the sequence. Middleton has a Grade 2 MCL sprain and can miss the whole lot of the sequence in opposition to the Celtics. If the Bucks are ready to advance previous Boston, there’s an actual probability that he would have to miss the convention finals, too. Middleton suffered the damage throughout Game 2 of Milwaukee’s first-spherical sequence in opposition to the Bulls, at which level the staff 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 stated of the scenario.” Other guys have gotten alternatives and performed properly and our protection has tightened up and we have leaned arduous on that these three video games. But we have depth, we have a very good group, we miss Khris — I do not assume anyone underestimates how essential, how efficient he’s for us. But whereas we do not have him, we’ve got to be our greatest all up and down the roster.”
Celtics: Boston’s dominant protection would be the focus for the staff in opposition to Milwaukee. The Celtics did a wonderful job of creating life extraordinarily tough for Kevin Durant through the first spherical, and the staff protection that they performed on Durant was an enormous a part of the rationale that they have been ready to advance, simply at that. Now the query can be if they’ll restrict Giannis Antetokounmpo’s manufacturing in an analogous method. If they’ll, Boston will give themselves a wonderful alternative to win the sequence. Though slowing down Antetokounmpo is a tall activity, the absence of Khris Middleton ought to make it simpler for Boston to focus defensive consideration on him.
Prediction
As a staff close to full energy in contrast to a staff 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 an extra edge. Pick: Celtics – 4
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