The Boston Celtics have gone toe-to-toe with the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks through the first four games of this series. It has been an extremely tight series with each team stealing a game on their opponent's home court. The series has lived up to the hype so far and is considered to be the best series of the playoffs thus far.

Now over halfway through the series, each game carries even more importance. Teams that win Game 5 of a 2-2 best-of-seven series have gone on to win 82.8% of the time in NBA history. The upcoming Game 5 matchup is certain to have both teams locked in and ready to play their best basketball. The game will take place in Boston so the Celtics will have another chance to defend their home court.

3 Celtics predictions for Game 5 vs Bucks

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combine for 60+

Despite the rumors and questions early in the season, the Celtics are fully committed to Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Their second-half turnaround has proven why this is the right decision and each has shown flashes in the playoffs. The Celtics can only go as for as their two stars can take them so expect a focused performance in front of the home crowd.

Jayson Tatum averaged 29.5 points in the opening series against the Nets but has cooled down against the Bucks. He has seen his average slip to 22.5 points per game in round two largely due to his 10-point performance in Game 3. Jaylen Brown has been slightly below his season average of 23.6 points per game in both playoff series thus far. The 6'6 shooting guard averaged 22.5 points per game against the Nets and 21.8 points per game in this Bucks series.

While guys like Al Horford deserve a ton of credit for stepping up, the Celtics need each of these guys to play their best. There has not been a game where both guys have played their best in the postseason. Expect the two stars to be locked in and ready to produce in Game 5.

Payton Pritchard hits 2 three-pointers

One of the reasons for the Celtics' turnaround this season has been the rotation being cut down. Boston has operated with no more than a nine-man rotation during these playoffs with the exception of garbage time minutes. One of the guys who has survived the shortened rotation has been Payton Pritchard.

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The second-year Oregon guard has been a valuable part of the bench unit throughout the season. The Celtics count on Pritchard to provide the adequate ball-handling and shooting the team needs. Pritchard knocked down a pair of threes in the first two games of this series but has been scoreless since then. There also has been a concerning decrease in volume for Pritchard. After attempting 14 three-pointers in the first two games of the series, he has been 0-4 in the last two games.

While Pritchard has limitations in his game, the Celtics are in need of his skill set. Look for the Celtics to increase the volume of three-point attempts and for the young guard to capitalize. Pritchard has been a 41.2% three-point shooter throughout the first two years of his career and connecting on two shots from deep should be a comfortable request.

Al Horford is held under 10 points

One of the more surprising storylines of the series has been the play of Al Horford. The veteran big man has revived his career in his return to Boston and is playing some of the best basketball of his career. The veteran spent two seasons away from the organization before ending up back in Boston. It has been clear that the reunion has been great for both sides.  While his importance has been seen throughout the season, the uptick in offensive production has helped the Celtics greatly.

The 35-year-old set a career-high for playoff points in Game 4 with 30 points. Horford averaged 10.2 points per game during the regular season but has scored more than this in all four games this season and seven of the eight playoff games overall. This increased level of performance has been a major key to Boston's playoff success.

As great as Al Horford has been, it is difficult to expect this level of play to continue. Horford's biggest importance is on the defensive end and the extended offensive responsibility is a lot to ask from him. The Bucks also will be more conscious to take away open jump shots given the production. The Celtics will need others to step up offensively with the stakes so high.