In true mid to late season fashion, the traditionally coined "Hospital Celtics" presence has emerged and continue to be ready for their opportunity. In recent years, this has always been a pain point for the Celtics without much depth in their bench roster. Thanks to our savior Brad Stevens, all of that is in the past with the Celtics now owning one of the deepest rosters in the league.
When you have a bench that consists of Malcolm Brogdon, Derrick White and Grant Williams along with the shooting prowess of Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard, you will generally feel comfortable handing the ball to your reserves. Oh, let's also not forget about Celtics newest roster addition, Mike Muscala. Just this past week Derrick White achieved the "Player of the Week" award for the Eastern Conference, which is no small feat. He's seen an increase in opportunity with Marcus Smart having missed the last several weeks due to injury. So while we should be nervous about not having most of our starters tonight, we can also assume this second unit will make it a competitive matchup.
Looking further into tonight's matchup versus the Milwaukee Bucks, the Boston Celtics will be without Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, Jayson Tatum and potentially Robert Williams and Al Horford (both listed as questionable). It's not often that both of the "Jays" miss the same game, in fact this might be the first time this season, but here we are.
We all have heard the headlines of Grant Williams seeking a bigger paycheck this summer, well it's time to put his money where his mouth is tonight versus one of the best players in the world, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Celtics & Bucks Preview:
Over the last 5 matchups of these teams, the Boston Celtics have gone 4-1 versus the Bucks. With all the above injuries for tonight in mind, it will be tough for the Celtics to stay hot against this team but you can expect a fight. Injuries and players missing for tonight aside, here is the breakdown of this matchup leading up to tipoff tonight:
Boston Celtics
Boston currently holds the number 1 spot in the Eastern Conference and in the NBA (1.5 games up on the Bucks).
Celtics have been streaky this year, they have gone 6-4 in their last 10 and have won 4 in a row.
They currently have the 3rd best offensive rating in the league.
They currently have the 5th best defensive rating in the league.
They are without key starting players but will look to put up a big fight with their reserves.
Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee currently holds the number 2 spot in the Eastern Conference and in the NBA.
They have been on fire lately, having won 10 games straight.
They currently have the 20th best offensive rating in the league. Somewhat of a shocking stat considering they are in 2nd place.
They currently have the 3rd best defensive rating in the league.
They will look to take advantage of Boston's starting players being out tonight on the powers of their All-Stars, Giannis and Holiday.
Tonight's game tips off at 7:30 EST in the Bucks house, we are excited to see Coach Joe Mazzulla and the Celtics draw up in what should be a great game. Let's go Celtics!
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