Boston Celtics vs Milwaukee Bucks: a preview of their biggest test yet

On Wednesday Night, the Boston Celtics will face the reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks in a rematch of the 2019 Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Celtics have started to get into form, securing back-to-back wins against the defending champion Toronto Raptors and Atlantic Division foe the New York Knicks.

They have been getting good play from almost everyone on the team, especially on the defensive side of the ball, forcing turnovers left and right to allow their young team to flourish on the fast break.

This style of basketball may be more difficult against the Bucks, as they have the 8th fewest turnovers in the league through their first two games at 14.5 per outing. Not to mention the ability of their players to get back on the defensive end, led by star forward Antetokounmpo.

Both teams are coming into this game with a 2-1 record. The Bucks have gotten their wins over the Rockets and the Cavaliers, only losing to the Miami Heat this past Sunday.

If the Boston Celtics want to win this game, they’re going to have to do a couple of things. First, they must shoot better from the field than in any of their previous three games. They are shooting a horrid 40.1% from the field, ranking them 26th in the association.

The Bucks offense is clicking early in the season, scoring 117, 126, and 129 points respectively. The Celtics will need to make more of their shots if they want any chance of keeping up with the Bucks high-powered offense.

Secondly, they will need someone to guard — or at least contain — Antetokounmpo. Two years ago, the Boston Celtics looked towards Semi Ojeleye in the playoffs to try to shut down the Greek Freak, and he had much success.

This year, without Al Horford, look for Ojeleye to get extended playing time to try to limit Giannis’ production. Besides Ojeleye, other options could include Grant Williams, Jaylen Brown, or Jayson Tatum, as they have all been playing excellent defense to this point.

So far, Giannis is averaging 24.3 points, 13.3 boards 9 assists while shooting 52.8% from the field. If Boston does not manage to find a way to slow him down, I have a hard time finding a path for them to win this game.

Finally, the shamrocks will have to take advantage of the Jaylen Brown/Wesley Matthews match-up on the perimeter. There was a time where Matthews was an above-average defender, but at age 33, he is certainly on the decline. Therefore, Brown will have to continue his aggressive play that we have seen through the first three games in order to get easy baskets.

In Injury news, with Enes Kanter out and Daniel Theis questionable, we may see Robert Williams get another start at center, with rookie Grant Williams getting the backup minutes. Robert Williams may be a better rim protector, but he still needs to get stronger if he wants to stop Antetokounmpo from finishing at the rim.

If Kanter were to be healthy, I would give the Celtics a much better chance of winning. He would be great on the second unit against the Bucks, taking advantage of their defensive flaws on their bench.

Hopefully he’ll come back soon!

This game will be a great test for the Celtics — one that should help them figure out where they are in terms of Eastern Conference contenders.

ESPN’s BPI gives the Boston Celtics a 57.8% chance of winning the game, so here’s to hoping!