Milwaukee Bucks vs Boston Celtics (Game 4): Top Players, Odds and Roster Notes

What: Milwaukee Bucks at Boston Celtics

Where: TD Garden in Boston, MA

When: Monday, May 6th at 7:00 PM EST

How (TV): TNT

Series Standing: 2-1 MIL

Milwaukee Bucks (Away)

Head Coach: Mike Budenholzer {All-Time 60-22 | MIL}

Season Record: 60-22, 1st in the East

Projected Starting Five: (G) Eric Bledsoe – (F) Nikola Mirotic – (F) Khris Middleton – (F) Giannis Antetokounmpo – (C) Brook Lopez

Top Performers:

• F Giannis Antetokounmpo – 33.5 PPG | 15.3 RPG | 4.5 APG
• G Eric Bledsoe – 25.0 PPG | 6.8 APG | 5.2 RPG
• G-F Khris Middleton – 23.2 PPG | 6.7 RPG | 5.2 APG

The Milwaukee Bucks seemed to find their groove in Game 3 and are unlikely to look back when they take on Boston for the second time at TD Garden Arena. Their Game 1 woes seemingly in the rearview mirror, the Bucks are primed for a terrific Game 4.

The Bucks were able to overcome the Celtics’ vaunted defense, but they had difficulty containing the opposition’s attack on the other side. If they can’t reign in the Boston offense, they may be in for a tougher match than expected.

After taking Game 3 on Boston’s home court, the Bucks were able to retake home court advantage – for the time being. Looking to get some extra rest in the future, the Bucks are certainly looking to take hope from the Celtics in Game 4.

Boston Celtics (Home)

Head Coach: Brad Stevens {All-Time 270-222 | BOS}

Season Record: 49-33, 4th in the East

Projected Starting Five: (G) Kyrie Irving – (G) Jaylen Brown – (F) Jayson Tatum – (F) Marcus Morris – (C) Al Horford

Top Performers:

• G Kyrie Irving – 22.5 PPG | 7.8 APG | .423 3P%
• F Jayson Tatum – 19.3 PPG | 5.5 RPG | .533 3P%
• F Gordon Hayward – 12.3 PPG | 5.0 RPG | .444 3P%

The Boston Celtics genuinely played a strong game against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. Where they struggled to find production in past games, the Celtics stepped up as a whole in Game 3.

Unfortunately for Boston, it wasn’t enough to stop the Bucks. While their offense seemed locked in, their defense was unable to contain Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee shooters for another game.

If the Celtics offense can match their defense, they may be able to even the series before heading to Milwaukee for Game 5. If not, the pressure is on to prove this Celtics core is worth keeping together.

What’s At Stake?

The Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks have maintained a rather competitive series all-time. In 213 regular season games, the Celtics hold a slim 109-104 lead over the Bucks.

Since 2018 the Celtics and Bucks have met in six different playoff series. Boston holds a commanding lead in series won with a 5-1 lead over Milwaukee.

The Milwaukee Bucks look to put a stranglehold on the series by going up 3-1 with a win before heading home to Milwaukee.

The Boston Celtics want to bring the series level at 2-2 or be faced with the possibility of elimination in Game 5.

George Hill Showed His Class

George Hill doesn’t have many accomplishments to his name. While he is a stout defender and able playmaker, Hill’s career highlight may be as the key piece in the trade for Kawhi Leonard.

In Game 3, Hill showed that a 10-year NBA veteran has the class to impact a game given the opportunity.

? George Hill was ON FIRE with 21 PTS on 75% FG!! #FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/C0RBVKFxCT

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) May 4, 2019

29 minutes of George Hill on the court truly swayed the balance of the game for the Bucks. He was decisive on the offensive end but was more valuable on the defensive end. If he can limit Kyrie Irving as he did in Game 3, the Bucks will be in a position to take a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals.

It Wasn’t As Close As the Numbers Suggest

Game 2 finished with just a seven-point disparity between the two teams. The Celtics, being on the losing side of that final score. Despite that relatively low difference, Boston seemed further away than it suggests.

They allowed the Bucks to shoot over 50% from the field and convert on 15-37 attempts from three-point range. While Boston had their own moments on offense, it never came together to give them a competitive edge.

The Celtics need to shore up these issues during Game 4. Giving the Bucks free reign on both ends while fulfilling their own offense isn’t going to cut it. They have weapons across the board that are much more talented than their performance suggests.

Consistency Went Both Ways for the Bucks Reserves

It was up and down for the Bucks in the first two games of the series, particularly for their reserves and role players. In Game 3, the Bucks found themselves some consistent production across the board.

42 bench points on 16 of 28 shooting from the field is brilliant return for any team. To put the cherry on top the Bucks bench was a net positive on the match. It is unlikely they’ll receive the same contributions going forward, but their rhythm is certain to aid them in the fight going forward.

The Celtics Need to Encourage Player Movement

The Celtics have shown that their offense can be a force when properly implemented against any team, especially the Bucks. They have excellent shooters and finishers on their team and can operate in the mid-range, exactly where the Bucks struggle.

In the first half of the match, the Boston Celtics assisted on 17 of 21 made field goals. Unfortunately, in the second half, the Celtics saw themselves assist on only 7 of 14 made baskets.

Their drop off in assists is proof that increased ball and player movement helps the Celtics initiate their offense. When the game drags down and iso-ball comes into play, the Bucks are in their element. Boston can’t afford any more lapses.

Boston Celtics Roster Notes

G Marcus Smart – 10 Apr 2019 – Out (Oblique) – Smart suffered a torn oblique and could be sidelined for the first two rounds of playoffs, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Milwaukee Bucks Roster Notes

G Malcolm Brogdon – 25 Apr 2019 – Out (Heel) – Brogdon is listed as OUT for Games 1 & 2 against the Boston Celtics.

G Donte DiVincenzo – 26 Mar 2019 – Out For Season (Heel) – DiVincenzo is out for the rest of the season with bilateral heel bursitis in his right foot according to Malika Andrews of ESPN.

C Pau Gasol – 23 Mar 2019 – Out (Ankle) – Gasol is expected to miss approximately one month with a left ankle injury according to Malika Andrews of ESPN.

X-Factors: Pat Connaughton (MIL) vs Marcus Morris (BOS)

Pat Connaughton and Marcus Morris are valuable role players for their respective teams. Both are athletic and intelligent on both sides of the court. Their ability to influence their side without great usage is what makes them so valuable.

Pat Connaughton

Shooting Guard | 6-4, 209lb (193cm, 94kg) | Notre Dame | Exp. 3 Years

6.9 PPG | 2.0 APG | 4.2 RPG | 0.5 SPG | 0.4 BPG | 0.5 TOV | .466 FG% | .330 3P%

Generally inconsistent in his on-court contributions, Pat Connaughton was valuable with his production in Game 3. As the second-most played piece for the Bucks off the bench, Connaughton is finding his form at the right time.

In Game 3, Pat Connaughton contributed 14 points and 7 rebounds on 5-11 shooting and 4-9 shooting from deep. His defense was also valuable, as he intelligently closed out on defenders and switched on defense.

While the main attraction of Connaughton lies in his vertical jump – which is higher than legend Vince Carter’s – he has gained the trust of Mike Budenholzer regardless of form. If he can channel Game 3 going forward, he may be integral to their future success.

Marcus Morris

Power Forward | 6-9, 235lb (206cm, 106kg) | Kansas | Exp. 7 Years

13.9 PPG | 1.5 APG | 6.1 RPG | 0.6 SPG | 0.3 BPG | 1.2 TOV | .447 FG% | .375 3P%

Marcus Morris has played a pivotal role in the Boston Celtics’ playoff hopes to this point in the season. He’s a versatile forward, with the ability on both the offensive end and the defensive end.

In Game 3, Morris contributed 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks on 6-8 shooting from the field and 4-5 from three. Most impressive of all, Morris has the responsibility of guarding the Greek Freak, regardless of the outcome.

Morris has been solid in these playoffs, and productive to ice the cake. His continued contributions are what the Celtics reserve units should aspire to produce, in order to take down the Bucks.

Milwaukee Bucks at Boston Celtics Predictions and Odds

The odds are in the favor of the Milwaukee Bucks at this point in the series. Their ability on offensive hasn’t been quelled, despite the Boston Celtics’ scoring improvements. At 2-1, the balance of the series likely rides on this match.

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