Celtics to face Bucks in second round of NBA Playoffs, Game 1 set for Sunday

The Celtics will formally face the Bucks within the second spherical of the NBA Playoffs, and so they have not less than just a few benefits to assist them all through the sequence. The Bucks beat the Bulls on Wednesday to shut out the first-round sequence 4-1 between the division foes.

Recreation 1 of the second spherical will likely be at 1 p.m. Sunday at TD Backyard, which means the C’s can have not less than just a few extra days to organize to play the Bucks. The Celtics completed because the No. 2 seed within the East whereas the Bucks have been third, which was a alternative for each groups. Milwaukee rested its starters on the ultimate day of the common season, whereas Boston elected to go for the win and face the Nets within the first spherical.

The Celtics have home-court benefit all through the sequence, which could possibly be enormous if the sequence goes a full seven video games. Boston additionally will go almost per week between video games after sweeping the Nets, although many anticipated the first-round sequence to go just a few further video games.

After the C’s confronted Kevin Durant within the first spherical, they’ll face two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo up subsequent.

Khris Middleton isn’t anticipated to be prepared for the beginning of the second spherical after he sprained his MCL towards the Bulls on April 20. The Bucks stated he’ll be re-evaluated two weeks after the damage, however there’s an opportunity Middleton misses the whole second spherical as he heals his damage. On the damage entrance, Robert Williams III is again for the Celtics as he appears to fine-tune among the rust he constructed up getting back from meniscus surgical procedure.

The Celtics are the betting favorites to come back out of the East, however they’ll have an enormous take a look at within the Bucks. Milwaukee gained the title final season and Antetokounmpo is arguably the perfect participant on this planet alongside Durant, however the Bucks celebrity is within the prime of his profession. Anticipate the Celtics’ protection to be examined, and the way the C’s guard Antetokounmpo will likely be an attention-grabbing wrinkle.

The Celtics and Bucks break up the season sequence 2-2 within the common season, although every crew was shorthanded for 3 of the 4 video games. Antetokounmpo missed Recreation 1 of the season sequence, the Celtics have been lacking most of their depth items in Recreation 3 due to COVID-19, and the Celtics rested Jayson Tatum and Al Horford in Recreation 4.

It ought to be a heavyweight battle between the Celtics and Bucks within the sequence, although. Milwaukee appeared to have a second gear all through the common season coming off a title. However the Celtics are a formidable foe armed with the perfect protection within the league. A protracted sequence seems to be the expectation going into the second spherical.