Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks game preview, injury report, and info - November 12, 2021
SBNation.com
The Boston Celtics are now 3-1 in their last four games after a solid win over the Toronto Raptors the other night. That victory also marked Boston’s first home win of the year, as they were able to get revenge over the Raptors for spoiling their home opener at TD Garden earlier this year. Now, the C’s will take on the reigning NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks with hopes of maintaining momentum.
Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks game preview, injury report, and info
How to Watch
Location: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
Time: 7:30 p.m. (EST)
Channel(s): ESPN, NBC Sports Boston, NBA League Pass
Team Breakdowns
Last game was one of Boston’s best of the season. Outside of a small run in the third quarter from the Raptors, they had complete control throughout. A big part of that was the difference in energy. The first time the C’s played Toronto, the Raptors just looked like they wanted it more. The other night, that delegation belonged to the Celtics. Robert Williams led the charge with a dominant performance on the glass. He ended the night with 13 rebounds, but with the impact he was making in the paint, it felt like a lot more than that.
The Boston Celtics also got a lot of contributions across the board. Seven different players finished the night in double figures, and four players shot better than 40% from three-point range. Even Jayson Tatum, who only put up 22 points on somewhat inefficient scoring, found other ways to impact the game. It was simply a great, all-around performance from the Celtics, who haven’t had many of those types of games this season.
As for the Milwaukee Bucks, they have been dealing with some issues of their own this season. Injuries have plagued their starting lineup, and it has forced them to try and find contributions elsewhere. They are 6-6 on the season, and both Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday have only played six games apiece. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounpmo has been left to carry the load, with unlikely players such Grayson Allen (15.4 points) and Pat Connaughton (10.9 points) helping out a ton in the scoring column.
Injury Report
The Boston Celtics have the same two players listed on their injury report for tonight’s game as they did last time out. Jaylen Brown remains out and will miss the next 1-2 weeks with a hamstring injury. The same can be said for two-way player Brodric Thomas, who is listed as out with a shoulder injury.
The Bucks, on the other hand, are dealing with a few more injuries. Khris Middleton (COVID protocols), Donte DiVincenzo (ankle), and Brook Lopez (back) are all out for tonight’s contest). Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as questionable due to a sprained right ankle.
Keys to the Game
If he plays, the most important key to this game is to slow down Giannis Antetkounmpo. As if this weren’t obvious enough, stopping the other team’s best player is the key to victory. However, with Middleton confirmed to be out, this becomes even more important. Al Horford has been known as a great Giannis-stopper in the past, so he’s going to have to be on his A-game tonight. If Antetokounmpo plays, he is the main thing Boston needs to focus on tonight.
Next up, the Celtics have to do a good job of closing out on the three-point line. Even with all of their injuries, the Bucks are still a top-ten three-point shooting team in the NBA. Players such as Allen, Connaughton, and even former friend Semi Ojeleye have shot well this year. The C’s don’t want to get beat by someone not named Antetokounmpo tonight. If they don’t close out on shooters, they are going to get killed.
Finally, and in a similar sense, the Boston Celtics have to make their own shots. As important as it will be to shut down Milwaukee’s three-point attack, they have to establish one of their own. There have been too many times where Tatum or someone else will kick it out to an open shooter and they will simply miss. Missed shots on wide-open looks are no longer going to be acceptable. Boston’s identity is defense this year, but their offense still has to be solid as well.
Pregame Show
Make sure to tune in to our live pregame show, “The Banner Town Build Up.” We are live 30 minutes before every Celtics game at @GuyBostonSports on YouTube and Facebook. See you there at 7:00 p.m. (EST) tonight!
