The headline after the first meeting between Milwaukee and Boston was Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence for the Bucks and Dennis Schroder dropping 38 points in the Celtics’ overtime win.
Antetokounmpo missed the game due to an ankle sprain and the Bucks were also without Khris Middleton because of COVID-19 protocols. The Celtics couldn’t capitalize on their shorthanded opponent until late in the game. Schroder took over and Jayson Tatum aided with 27 points and 11 rebounds.
Round one was a month ago and round two on Tuesday promises to be different.
Antetokounmpo will be back in the fold and he is coming off his first triple-double of the season in Monday’s game against the New York Knicks. Last season’s Finals MVP had 20 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds in the Bucks’ 112-97 victory. Middleton is also coming off a stellar performance with his 24-point, eight-rebound output.
The defending champs have won eight of their last 10 games and just moved to second place in the East standings. Health has been a huge thorn on the side of the Bucks this season, including the prevailing absence of Brook Lopez who recently underwent surgery for his back. The good news for them is the upcoming season debut of Donte DiVincenzo after recovering from an ankle injury.
The Celtics have their own injury woes but will be glad to see the return of Jaylen Brown in the lineup. His hamstring has been a significant issue for Brown early in the season. He has already missed time because of the injury, returned briefly, before missing the Celtics’ recent road trip. But reports out of Boston have said that he’s finally coming back to his old self.
Brown’s addition will give the Celtics a much-needed burst considering that they might miss the presence of Marcus Smart who is listed as day-to-day because of an illness. Reliable wing Josh Richardson, meanwhile, is out due to health and safety protocols.
The second meeting between two Eastern Conference heavyweights should be a good one. Catch the game between the Bucks and the Celtics on Tuesday, 7:30 AM on NBA TV Philippines via Smart GigaPlay app or Cignal TV.
