Tonight is opening night for the Boston Celtics and, in their exhibition against the Milwaukee Bucks, there are 3 key matchups fans should monitor closely.
Rejoice Boston Celtics fans! After nearly three months of inaction, the Cs take to the hardwood once again to contend for a run at glory.
Last we saw them, Boston came within just two games of reaching their first NBA Finals appearance in over a decade. Tonight, the slate is wiped clean and they embark on a new journey to work their way over the hump that has stalled them over the past several years.
In their season debut, they’ll be squaring off against the league’s reigning MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the revamped Milwaukee Bucks.
For the Celtics, it’s imperritive that they get off to a hot start, as their first-half schedule is looking to be reletively challenging, with the majority of their outings coming against Eastern Conference foes.
In game one of the league’s 72-game season, there are 3 specific matchups that will play a major role in its outcome, and fans should monitor them closely:
Boston Celtics v. Milwaukee Bucks matchup No. 1) Daniel Theis v. Brook Lopez
Last season, Daniel Theis performed as one of the most underrated centers in the entire league, and as one of the best bargains on the Boston Celtics’ roster.
Proving to be a screen-setting machine and defensive juggernaut, the German Hammer posted career high averages of 9.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 57 percent from the floor and 33 percent from deep.
His task will be somewhat challenging, as opposing center Brook Lopez towers over Theis by about four inches and has made himself into one of the most reliable stretch bigs in the entire league.
With Kemba Walker out, the 28-year-old could find himself being tasked with being more involved on offense, all while trying to stay impactful on the defensive side of the ball as well.
The battle of the bigs will be an interesting matchup to monitor on opening night.