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The Milwaukee Bucks–Boston Celtics Eastern Conference Semifinals has lived up to all expectations thus far after the Bucks' thrilling two-point victory in Game 3. Al Horford's tip-in was just a split-second after the buzzer went off, a deflating loss for the Celtics.
Game 4 remains in Milwaukee, as the two sides will play Monday night. Ahead of that Game 4, let's look at a few reasons as to why the Celtics remain in great shape, despite being down 2-1 in the series.
Jayson Tatum Game 3 struggles
What if I told you the Celtics' best player, Jayson Tatum, shot just 4-for-19 in Game 3 on the road, yet the Celtics still had a chance to win it? I wouldn't believe it either, and that's just what happened. Tatum struggled to get anything going all night long. While it was frustrating, Celtics' fanbase can feel confident in their chances if Tatum performs to his capabilities. In addition to Tatum, Marcus Smart went 1-for-9 from the field, including missing three of his four three-point attempts.
The Celtics have lost each of the two games in the series in which Tatum hasn't shot the ball well. In Game 1, he scored 21 points on just 6-for-18 from the field. In their lone victory so far, he scored 29 points on 50% in addition to eight assists. As Tatum goes, so do the Celtics. If he shoots poorly like that again, then the Celtics will likely go down 3-1. With a guy like Jayson Tatum though, you bet on the talent more times than not. That is why Celtics fans should be optimistic moving forward in this series.
Middleton return unlikely
As unfortunate as it is for the Bucks, Khris Middleton remains unlikely to return in this series. Coach Mike Budenholzer has left the door open for a return, but it just doesn't seem like it will happen. That significantly helps the Celtics' odds, especially as the series wears on more and more. Game 4 is a crucial must-win for the C's, as their series chances significantly increase with a win. That's especially true due to the final bold prediction, but a potential Khris Middleton return is crucial. His big-shot ability, particularly late in games, would give Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks just another weapon.
For now, the likes of Grayson Allen, Wesley Matthews, and Pat Connaughton are tasked with trying to fill in the hole left by Middleton. Allen and Matthews haven't given much production offensively, while Connaughton's shot the ball well in the series. With that being said, Middleton provides a significant upgrade to those options.
Two home games left
The Celtics have arguably the best home crowd in the NBA at TD Garden. Games 5 and if necessary, 7, will take place in Boston at the Garden. The Celtics have to actually get to Game 7 in order for their home court advantage With this being said, this should cause for optimism for Celtics fans. Game 4 is obviously a must-win, as coming back from 3-1 is nearly impossible in the NBA playoffs. From there, if the series is a tied 2-2, then the series is just best-of-3 with the Celtics owning home court advantage. The Bucks managed to split the first two games in Boston, but it's a tall task for any team to win on the road multiple times in a series.
