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Boston Celtics Size Could be Exposed Against Bucks

By Joshua Bateman

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 5: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics looks on against the Orlando Magic on November 5, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 5: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics looks on against the Orlando Magic on November 5, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Boston Celtics front court could have a lot of trouble against the Milwaukee Bucks

The Boston Celtics have maintained the best record in the league after their winning streak was put to an end, but the team itself has been winning in different ways. At the start it was all about the defense, and some of the most improved rebounding we have ever seen.

The Celtics have a small front court, but were getting an advantage on the inside every single time. Al Horford drastically improved his rebounding, Aron Baynes had a major role, and both Daniel Theis and Semi Ojeleye were looking like two of the best defensive rookies in the league.

A lot of people did not think the Celtics could keep winning that way, and that is starting to become true. Fortunately, the Celtics have picked up the areas they were struggling in to start. The offense has picked up thanks to a lot of improved shooting and better ball movement.

The Celtics are compensating for the regression, preventing the overall team from falling off. The Celtics are adapting how they are winning games, but this recent shift could be troubling against the Milwaukee Bucks.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo alone is enough to drive anyone crazy, but the length they have across the board will make it much more difficult for the great wings and ball handlers to make up for their size problems, as they were doing to start the season.

Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have the length and athleticism to get an advantage against both teams. When the opponents have Khris Midddleton and Thon Maker in addition to the Greek Freak, there is no potential advantage with length.

The Celtics are going to have to rely on their front court to hold the paint together, and that could be problematic they way they are playing. The good news is that they should be able to overcome that against the Bucks, even if it will be more difficult.

It all starts with Horford, because he has the impossible task of slowing down Antetokounmpo. He has destroyed a lot of games this year, but Horford played him quite well in their second meeting this season. Horford has done a phenomenal job against versatile bigs, and he needs to be at his best against Antetokounmpo.

It also could end up being vert difficult for Baynes to have a real impact. The Bucks have all the height and all the versatility, and it will be a challenge for Bayens to be able to match everything they are capable of. If Baynes can manage to stay in the game, then chances are the Celtics will be holding their own with the size, and they will be in a strong position.

The real problem will come if Baynes cannot stay on the floor, and the Celtics need to do even more to make up for an increasingly undersized front court. The Celtics will have a difficult time forcing the Bucks to adjust to what they need, because their length advantage is usually how they do that.

The Celtics are comfortable going small because of the length and athleticism of their guards and wings. Unfortunately, thew Bucks neutralize that advantage, putting them in a weaker position if their incredibly young versatile bigs do not step up in a big way.

The Celtics have seen their front court play well enough to handle any kind of matchup, but that is not how they have been trending recently. The Celtics are at a point where they do not need to win the rebounding battle and points in the paint to win the matchup. Their shooting and passing has come a long ways in making up for those struggles, but that alone will not be enough.

They have to prove that the Bucks are not able to score at will on the inside, and they need to make sure they are not getting killed on the offensive boards. If the Celtics can contain those two areas, and do not let it completely destroy the game, then they can rely on their superior offensive talent to bring this game home.

It is odd that the Celtics are already playing the Bucks for the third time this year, but it has been a great matchup so far. They have split the season series so far, but the Celtics are a much different team then they were during those first two meetings.

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The way the Celtics are playing right now helps the Bucks a bit in this matchup, but the way they have elevated the other areas should make sure they take that season series lead.

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