The Boston Celtics visit the Fiserv Forum on Sunday for a highly anticipated rematch with the Milwaukee Bucks. Boston, which won 119-108 on Oct. 28, hopes to stay unbeaten against their opponents in its season series. The Celtics could still be without Jaylen Brown, who's questionable due to a left hip flexor strain.
The reeling Bucks trailed by 30 against the New York Knicks after the first half before losing 116-94. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s frustration boiled over after the game. Antetokounmpo ripped his team's lack of competitiveness and made sure the reporters knew about it. He said that another 30-point loss is coming if they play the same against the Celtics.
How the Bucks respond to Antetokounmpo’s challenge is a question that will be answered on Sunday night.
Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.
Boston Celtics vs Milwaukee Bucks: Injury Report
Boston Celtics injury report
Jaylen Brown (hip), Luke Kornet (hamstring) and Jaden Springer (knee) are questionable, while Kristaps Porzingis continues to recover from a foot injury and is ruled out.
Milwaukee Bucks injury report
Gary Trent Jr. (back) and Andre Jackson Jr. (hip) are questionable. Khris Middleton is out as he recovers from offseason ankle surgery, while Giannis Antetokounmpo is probable, but the two-time MVP is expected to play.
Boston Celtics vs Milwaukee Bucks: Starting lineups and depth charts
Boston Celtics starting lineup and depth chart
Milwaukee Bucks starting lineup and depth chart
Boston Celtics vs Milwaukee Bucks: Key matchups
Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Al Horford
In the first Bucks-Celtics meeting, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 30 points on 14-for-26 attempts. He dominated his matchup against Al Horford, forcing Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla to vary his coverage. Xavier Tillman, Neemias Queta and Jayson Tatum had their turns to slow down the “Greek Freak.”
Antetokounmpo said that he was “embarrassed” in the loss to the Knicks and showed his eagerness to redeem himself in the Celtics rematch. Horford and Co. must step up to prevent the Bucks superstar from going amok.
Jayson Tatum vs Taurean Prince
Jayson Tatum had 15 points, a season-low, in the win against the Bucks. Taurean Prince made him work hard for his shots.
If Jaylen Brown is out, the Bucks could send more aggressive double teams against the All-NBA forward. Tatum’s response to that poor shooting night could determine the Celtics’ chances of winning the rematch in Milwaukee.
Damian Lillard vs Jrue Holiday/Derrick White
Damian Lillard torched the Celtics for 33 points in late October. The Bucks gave “Dame Time” more daylight to shoot by setting multiple screens to free him from arguably the best defensive backcourt in the NBA.
Jrue Holiday and Derrick White must communicate better with their teammates to prevent Lillard from having another big scoring night.
Boston Celtics Nation! You can check out the latest Boston Celtics Schedule and dive into the Celtics Depth Chart for NBA Season 2024-25.