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Do the Boston Celtics Fear the Deer?

By Rory Derderian

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 23: Kyrie Irving #11 and Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics give a post-game interview to Abby Chin of NBC Sports Boston after the victory over the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden on December 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 23: Kyrie Irving #11 and Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics give a post-game interview to Abby Chin of NBC Sports Boston after the victory over the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden on December 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /
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The matchup between the top seeded Milwaukee Bucks and four seed Boston Celtics has what it takes to be an upset. Are the Boston Celtics afraid of the team with the best record in the NBA? We will find out when the series kicks off this Sunday in Milwaukee.

With both the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks making quick work of their first round opponents, they’re all set for the Eastern Conference Semifinals this Sunday.  This is a rematch of last year’s quarterfinals that went to seven games with neither team winning on the road.

This year’s matchup couldn’t be more different though. The Bucks own the best record in the NBA which means they’ll have home court advantage throughout the playoffs. Giannis Antetokounmpo is also the front-runner to win the MVP after having a monster season and really breaking out.

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This season, Milwaukee added Brook Lopez, Nikola Mirotic, Ersan Ilyasova and veteran point guard George Hill to their roster. Pat Connaugton has been a spark off the bench in the playoffs, coming over from Portland. Sterling Brown has slipped into the starting spot in relief of Malcolm Brogdon, who may return in this series to boost the depth of the top seeded Bucks.

On the other side, the Boston Celtics will be without their best defender, Marcus Smart, for a little while longer, yet they add two healthy All Stars in Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward. Kyrie was utterly sensational in his first taste of postseason play for the Celtics averaging 22.5 points and 7.8 assists per game. He’s been an absolute magician with the ball in his hands, making plays all over the court.

Irving’s also averaging a team high 1.2 steals per game and is living up to his word and reputation as being “The Man” in the postseason. When asked about the Celtics’ struggles after a February loss to the Bulls he said “Everything’s going to be ok. Why? Because, I’m here.”

Hayward has come off the bench averaging 12.5 points per game and had a team high 20 points to help complete the sweep of the Indiana Pacers. His play has continued to pick up and improve, as has his confidence since returning from his foot injury. He has been an “X” factor coming off the bench for the Celts like we hoped he would be.

Even though the Boston Celtics are the four seed in the East, this is an extremely interesting matchup where it wouldn’t be crazy to think they are the favorites. The addition of Kyrie alone pushed Terry Rozier to the bench, making that unit stronger.

Rozier was a beast in the series last year versus Milwaukee, averaging 17.6 points per game and practically owning Eric (not Drew) Bledsoe. He closed out the quarterfinals versus the Bucks tying Big Al with a team high 26 points. Boston fans are hoping “Scary Terry” comes out again in this round.

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Jaylen Brown has gotten better with each game that has passed scoring 2,6,23 and 13 points in the four game series (averaging 11 ppg). Jayson Tatum averaged 19.3 points per game against the Pacers and hasn’t had to put the team on his back and do everything like he seemed to do last year.

Marcus Morris Sr., who was a big factor in the opening game going 5-12 from the field and adding seven rebounds, averaged a quiet 12.3 and 6.5 versus the Pacers. I like how Brad Steven wasn’t afraid to pull him in the second game when he was 0-8 from the field. Those are the tough decisions that Brad has to make and will continue to make versus the Bucks.

Al Horford averaged a steady 11 and 10 and had some beautiful pick and pops with Kyrie. Add in a steady dose of Aron Baynes screens and team defense, and this team has what it takes to upset the Bucks.

The Bucks’ first round matchup with the Pistons was barely that, a matchup. Giannis played less minutes and averaged fewer points, rebounds and assists than he did in the regular season. Will rest paired with lack of opening round competition come into play when they take on the Boston Celtics in the semifinals?

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The Celtics seem to be coming together at the right time and are prepared to make a run. Kyrie has also said that he doesn’t think anyone can beat them in a seven game series and I definitely agree. Veteran leadership, hunger and depth are things the Celtics didn’t have last year, and still beat the Bucks in seven.

This series will come down to who can steal a game on the road. Whichever team does that first, I think will be advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Prediction: Celtics in 6

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