With a Milwaukee Bucks Game 4 against the Boston Celtics, many eyes will be on this highly competitive second-round series. Ahead of the Celtics-Bucks game, we'll be making our Bucks Game 4 predictions.

The Bucks have a 2-1 lead in the series behind the incredible play of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Antetokounmpo had a phenomenal Game 3 performance, dropping 42 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks, and two steals. His tremendous play lifted the Bucks over the Celtics with a 103-101 victory.

 

Milwaukee has seized this lead despite missing one of its stars in Khris Middleton. Middleton went down with a knee injury in the first-round series against the Chicago Bulls. Even without Middleton, the Bucks have been able to play at a high level.

The Bucks have solid depth on the roster, which has helped them get through the absence of Middleton. Giannis stepping up has been the primary source of the Bucks' success, though.

He is averaging 31.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 9.0 assists so far in the series against Boston.

Milwaukee's defensive play has elevated them to take the series lead. They held Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum to 10 points in Game 3 on 4-19 shooting and 0-6 from 3. Lockdown defense on Tatum slows down Boston's offense and gives Milwaukee an edge. Although it won't be easy to maintain, Milwaukee's defense will be significant in getting them to the next round.

With that said, here are three bold predictions for the Bucks' Game 4 against the Celtics.

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Milwaukee Bucks Game 4 Predictions vs. Celtics

3. Bucks contain Tatum and Brown

While Giannis Antetokounmpo's play has been elite, the defense from the Bucks has been a catalyst to their 2-1 lead. In the modern NBA, it is extremely difficult to defend talented offensive players, especially when they are as good as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

However, Milwaukee has been able to hold down Brown and Tatum except for Game 2. Although it will be tough to continue containing Boston's stars, the Bucks have the scheme and talent to get it done. Antetokounmpo is one of the best defensive players in the NBA, and his impact on that end is just as important.

2. Giannis finishes with 30-point triple-double

The continued great defense on Tatum and Brown is essential, but so is Giannis' production on offense. With no Middleton, the Bucks' offense was expected to drop off.

Giannis has been able to shoulder the load and take his game to a different level. His scoring has remained elite, but what has been most impressive is his ability to step up as a playmaker.

Getting the role players involved has been a significant boost for the Bucks as they try to get past the talented Celtics.

1. Bucks dominate, take 3-1 lead

Although the Celtics bounced back after going down 1-0, they will not even the series this time. The Bucks are at home, where the crowd is energized and helps Milwaukee plays with intensity throughout the game.

While the Celtics have looked great in the second half of the season, they don't seem to have an answer for Giannis. The other issue is their stars, Tatum and Brown, have not been able to match his production.

Jrue Holiday has been a big part of the Bucks' success as a terrific two-way player. In the series, Holiday is averaging 23.0 points along with 6.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game. His defensive impact has been electric, as he is averaging 2.7 steals per contest and holding down Boston's offense.

While his shooting splits haven't been great, he has been critical to Milwaukee making it this far.

The Bucks have a critical Game 4 ahead of them, and they will need another sensational performance from Giannis and contribution from the role players to take control with a 3-1 lead.