The Boston Celtics knew they were in for a challenge when going up against the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks. Led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks are a difficult matchup for any opponent. The Celtics have done a fairly effective job defending the two-time MVP through the first two games. The Greek Freak has been held to just 38.5% from the field in the first two games.

 

Even with the impressive defense, the Bucks still managed to pick up a convincing 101-89 victory in Game 1. The series is even at one win apiece with the series heading to Milwaukee. Boston must continue to keep its foot on the gas and win at least one game in opposing territory. Game 3 will be extremely important for both teams, and the Celtics cannot afford to let the opportunity slip through their fingers.

Let's take a look at some bold Celtics predictions for Game 3 against the Bucks in Milwaukee.

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Boston Celtics bold predictions for Game 3 vs. Bucks

Jayson Tatum scores 35+

After a poor performance in Game 1, Jaylen Brown burst back onto the scene in the second matchup. Tatum and Brown combined for 59 points in Game 2, with Brown leading the way with 30. Jayson Tatum has taken some notable steps in his superstar ascension already this postseason. He outdueled Kevin Durant in the first round, and it is time to continue making a statement in this round.

While Tatum has been stellar in the first two games of this series, the Celtics will be in need of an even more impressive performance in Game 3. The home crowd is sure to be behind the Buck, so it will be up to Tatum to suck the life out of the building. Expect the Duke product to do just this and give the Celtics their best chance of winning.

Marcus Smart gets 2 steals

It was clear that Marcus Smart picked up some notable knocks in the opening game of the series. He was officially listed as out with a quad contusion in Game 2. There is confidence that the 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year will be back for Game 3. The Celtics have done an impressive job defending Giannis, but the return of Marcus Smart would help further increase this defensive intensity.

The Oklahoma State product averaged 1.7 steals on the season, so a pair of steals should not be too tall of a task. Smart can make a positive impact by harassing Jrue Holiday and preventing the Bucks from effectively running their sets. The energy and intensity boost from Marcus Smart will be necessary for the team, especially in the hostile Milwaukee environment.

Derrick White scores 12+

The Celtics made a valuable addition when they traded Josh Richardson and Romeo Langford for Derrick White. This midseason trade helped breathe life back into the Celtics this season and deserves more credit for their turnaround. White is a valuable role player on a contending team but had a rough performance in Game 2, at least shooting the ball. White was elevated to the starting lineup in Smart’s absence but shot 0-of-6 from the field and 0-of-4 from beyond the arc.

Boston will look for White to get back to being the valuable role player he is expected to be. The former 29th overall pick knocked down a pair of triples in Game 1 and ended with 10 points. The Celtics will be in search of production from their complementary pieces, and White is the guy who will be looked at to capitalize.

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It was a necessary victory in Game 2 for the Celtics, but there this no time to rest. Even with the impressive defense, Giannis is still averaging 26.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 9.5 assists in the series. The 5.5 turnovers per game and the poor shooting percentages are a positive sign, but the Celtics must continue hounding the star. Boston will need to find a way to win at least one game in Milwaukee. Expect the Celtics to do their best to capitalize on this in Game 3.