Preview: Celtics Looking for Revenge Against Bucks After a Busy Trade Deadline
Jeff Hanisch | USA Today Sports
The dust has settled from the trade deadline and the Celtics are back in action tonight. They’ll have their chance at revenge against the Bucks after losing to them just two nights ago.
Giannis Antetokounmpo had a quiet game the other night as the Celtics held him to only 13 points. Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis did most of the damage for Milwaukee on the scoring front. Middleton had 27 points on 11-20 shooting from the field and 2-4 shooting from deep. He also added 13 rebounds and four assists. Portis scored 21 points on 7-10 shooting from the field and 4-6 shooting from deep.
Milwaukee’s win evened the season series between the two teams at one apiece. In their first matchup of the season, Jayson Tatum hit a bank-shot three to win it for the Celtics. The Bucks have been playing at a much higher level than the Celtics this season, though. Their uber-efficient offense and stellar defense have led them to a top-three spot in the East thus far.
Boston shook up their roster yesterday with three new players coming in and three now-former Celtics on the move. Evan Fournier, Mo Wagner, and Luke Kornet are the latest faces in Boston. Meanwhile, Daniel Theis, Javonte Green, and Jeff Teague were all sent out in trades. Fournier will not be available for tonight’s game, but Wagner and Kornet should be.
Trading Theis opens the way for more Robert Williams minutes. Many fans have been clamoring for him to be a starter, and they might get their wish. In their last game vs. the Bucks, it was a poor defensive effort that hurt them the most. Boston has to make sure they stay engaged on that end of the floor for the entire game.
According to Brad Stevens and Danny, Tristan Thompson and Romeo Langford remain out for the Celtics but should return early next week. Semi Ojeleye joins them on the injury report after taking a brutal hit to the hip last game. The Bucks’ injury report looks similar to the previous game, with Rodions Kurucs listed as out. Bryn Forbes and PJ Tucker as listed as questionable but should be available to pay.
Make sure to tune in to our live pregame show, the Banner Town Build Up, 30 minutes before the game on YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook @GuyBostonSports. The Celtics tip-off against the Bucks at 7:30 PM EST tonight on ESPN and NBC Sports Boston.
