Boston Celtics vs Milwaukee Bucks Picks and Predictions October 28th 2024

Celtics Seek Fourth Straight Win in Showdown with Struggling Bucks

The Boston Celtics, powered by impressive showings in the beginning of games, aim to maintain their undefeated record this season as they face the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night. Having dominated the first quarters of their initial three games, Boston looks to continue their strong performance against a Milwaukee team that is still trying to find their groove following a somewhat inconsistent start to the season.

Celtics Relying on Quick Beginnings

The Celtics’ strong beginnings have established the pattern for their flawless 3-0 record, as they scored 118 points in the initial quarters in their first three games. This overall score has not just made them stand out as frontrunners in the NBA early in the season, but has also exceeded impressive first-quarter point totals from teams such as the 1991-92 Golden State Warriors and the 2013-14 Minnesota Timberwolves.

In their most recent outing, the Celtics rode a 42-point first quarter to build a comfortable lead over the Detroit Pistons. Despite Detroit rallying from a 23-point deficit to lead briefly in the third quarter, Boston ultimately closed strong with an 18-6 run to secure a 124-118 win. Star forward Jayson Tatum led the way with 37 points, showing his early-season consistency and clutch performance when the Celtics needed it most.

While satisfied with the team’s high-scoring starts, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla highlighted the need to sustain energy throughout the game: “Their [Pistons’] physicality really disrupted our rhythm in the second half,” he noted. “It’s a credit to them, but it’s also a reminder for us to keep control.”

Derrick White, who has been a key contributor early on, reflected on the importance of winning close games: “It’s not always going to be a blowout… Each game is different. Each game is a learning opportunity, so we’re going to learn from this game,” White said.

Bucks Hoping to Rebound from Back-to-Back Losses

The Bucks opened the season with a solid win against Philadelphia but have since struggled, dropping consecutive games, including a 115-102 defeat against the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday. While Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard continue to produce offensively, Milwaukee’s issues with turnovers and offensive execution have hindered their performance. Against the Nets, Milwaukee committed 18 turnovers and was outscored 32-24 in the final quarter, unable to close the gap as Brooklyn surged ahead with a decisive 10-point run in the fourth.

Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly on the offensive end: “We’re forced into taking a lot of tough shots, the ball’s not moving, and we don’t have enough space. Our execution was poor. That’s all on me. I gotta figure it out.”

Even though Antetokounmpo had an impressive field goal percentage of 66.7% against the Nets, his performance alone was not sufficient to compensate for Milwaukee’s offensive difficulties. Lillard, scoring 21 points but shooting only 1 for 7 from three-point range, will look to regain his shooting touch against Boston. At the same time, Bobby Portis impressed with a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds, highlighting the depth of Milwaukee’s frontcourt.

Key Players and Matchups to Watch

• Jayson Tatum (Celtics): Tatum has been a reliable force for the Celtics, consistently delivering points and crucial plays. His versatility and scoring ability will be central as Boston looks to stretch Milwaukee’s defense and apply pressure from the start.
• Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks): Antetokounmpo’s high efficiency (66.7% shooting) has been one of Milwaukee’s strengths. His size, speed, and finishing ability will be essential for the Bucks to compete, especially if they can leverage his scoring in the paint and on the break.
• Damian Lillard (Bucks): While Lillard has scored effectively, his long-range shooting has yet to hit its usual mark this season. A return to form from beyond the arc would add a critical dimension to Milwaukee’s offense against a Celtics team adept at defending inside.

Game Outlook

The Celtics’ dominant first-quarter showings indicate they will likely aim to take an early lead once more, putting pressure on the Bucks to catch up. Boston will try to maintain its offensive success, in particular if Milwaukee’s defense weakens like it did in Brooklyn. If the Bucks can minimize turnovers and enhance their spacing, they will enhance their likelihood of staying competitive.

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In order for Milwaukee to succeed, they must focus on improving their defensive execution and establishing an offensive rhythm early on to prevent Boston from gaining a significant advantage. Should Lillard regain his long-range shooting touch and Antetokounmpo keeps up his effective offensive performance, the Bucks could be a tough challenger for Boston and might be able to deal them their initial defeat.

The upcoming match on Monday between two powerhouse teams in the Eastern Conference, both with talented players, is anticipated to be a high-stakes showdown as they strive to prove their best form early in the season.