The Eastern Conference heavyweight battle between the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks tipped off on Sunday. The winner of this series is expected to come out of the East. In Game 1, the Bucks were able to maintain control. The final score was 101-89, and the Celtics were never able to fully climb back into the game.
Even without Khris Middleton, the Bucks controlled the game. Giannis Antetokounmpo ended with an impressive stat line of 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists even with the Celtics making a conscious effort to pack the paint. The Celtics now trail the series 1-0 and will need to make some notable adjustments if they are to find success in Game 2.
With the second matchup set for Tuesday, here are some Celtics bold predictions for Game 2 against the Bucks.
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Celtics Predictions for Game 2 vs. Bucks
Jaylen Brown scores 25+ points
The disappointing play of Jaylen Brown was felt greatly in Game 1. The Celtics star ended with just 12 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. He also shot just 4-of-13 from the field and turned the ball over seven times.
It was a very concerning performance from a guy who typically averages 23.6 points per game and just 2.7 turnovers per game. The Bucks did have some effective defensive schemes, but for the most part Brown simply just has to be better. The Celtics are counting on Brown to be able to serve as an effective co-star to Jayson Tatum, and the lack of production was felt in Game 1. Expect Brown to snap out of this in Game 2 and give the Boston offense a necessary boost.
Celtics tally 32+ team assists
The Celtics have to do a better job moving the basketball. While some of this is due to the isolation-based style of play, Boston failed to adequately get each other involved throughout the game. They tallied 21 assists in the matchup and made a total of just 28 field goals in the loss.
The team made just 10 2-point field goals in the loss, which is the second-fewest in any playoff game of all time. It also is the fewest made2-pointers in any game in Celtics history. Boston must do a better job getting the ball moving and creating easy looks for each other. The lack of easy baskets was clear, and this must be fixed if the team is able to find success. Look for a strong correction to be made and for the Celtics to play with a greater commitment to team basketball, even against such a stellar defensive unit.
Celtics get the win
It is still early in the series, but the Celtics' backs are already against the wall. Boston cruised into the game as the hottest team in basketball after sweeping the fraudulent contender Brooklyn Nets. This momentum was quickly stopped with the defending champion Bucks looking like the more polished playoff team. The turnaround by the Celtics in the second half of the season was impressive to watch, but they must continue to be willing to make adjustments.
Game 2 will also take place in Boston. The Celtics cannot afford to drop a second straight in front of their home crowd. The team would be put in a very difficult position if they were forced to travel to Milwaukee trailing the series by two games. Look for the Celtics to make adjustments now and find a way to get a victory in Game 2, setting up some intense games in Wisconsin.
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