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Milwaukee Bucks (3-13) at Boston Celtics (7-12)
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
7:30 PM ET
Regular Season Game #20 – Home Game #9
TV: CSN-NE, FSN-WI, NBA-LP 754(DTV)/754(Xfinity)
Radio: WBZ, WTMJ
TD GardenProbable Starting LineupJordan Crawford...Avery Bradley...Jeff Green...Brandon Bass...Jared Sullinger
Celtics ReservesMarShon Brooks
Kris Humphries
Vitor Faverani
Phil Pressey
Gerald Wallace
Keith Bogans
Injuries
Rajon Rondo (ACL)out
Kelly Olynyk (ankle) day to day
Courtney Lee (knee)probable
Probable Starting LineupBrandon Knight...OJ Mayo...Khris Middleton...Ekpe Udoh...John Henson
Bucks ReservesNate Wolters
Gary Neal
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Miroslav Raduljica
Luke Ridnour
Zaza Pachulia
InjuriesCarlos Delfino (foot) out
Larry Sanders (thumb) out
Ersan Ilysova (hamstring) questionable
Caron Butler (knee) out
Game NotesFor the second time in less than a week, the Celtics face the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks have just 3 wins on the season, and two of those are against the Celtics. The Celtics are hoping that the 3rd time is the charm and that they will finally be able to beat the Bucks.
In both losses to the Bucks, the Celtics gave up big leads. In the first game, it was a 22 point lead and in the second game, it was an 11 point lead. Milwaukee got out in transition and scored easy baskets against the Celtics on Saturday, holding a 16-4 edge in fast break points.
The Bucks are 1-7 on the road, with the one road win in the Celtics home opener. The Celtics are 3-5 at home. These two teams will meet once more on February 10.
Both teams have had off since they played each other in Milwaukee on Saturday so fatigue shouldn't be a problem for either team. The Bucks have injury concerns with 4 players out while the Celtics should be getting Courtney Lee back in the lineup.
Key Matchups vs
Jared Sullinger vs John Henson
Henson played very well in Saturday's game with 13 points (6-13), 13 rebounds and 3 blocked shots. Sully also played well with 21 points and 14 rebounds. Although, only 6 of his points came in the second half after the Bucks started to double team him. Sully will need to adjust to the double teams that are sure to be hitting him again in this game.
vs
Mayo is the Bucks leading scorer with 15.3 points per game. He is capable of having a big game on any given night. Avery's defense will be needed to keep Mayo off balance the entire game.
Player to WatchGiannis Antetokounmpo
In Saturday's game, Antetokounmpo gave the Bucks a boost off the bench with 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists in 27 minutes. The Celtics need to be ready for his energy off the bench. Another thing to watch is Tommy trying to pronounce his name.
Keys to the GameDefense- The Celtics must defend better, especially on 3 pointers. The Bucks shot 47% from beyond the arc on Saturday, and the Celtics must do better defending the perimeter.
Rebound - The Celtics were out-rebounded 49-41 in Saturday's game and they have to make a concerted effort to crash the boards as a team.
Play 48 Minutes- In both losses to the Bucks the Celtics had one very bad quarter. In the first game, the Bucks rallied from a 16-point halftime deficit by outscoring the Celtics 34-15 in the fourth quarter. In Saturday's loss, the Celtics once again had a bad quarter, this time though it was the second quarter where the Bucks outscored the Celtics 28-14. The Celtics also allowed them to shoot 52% in the quarter so, not only did their offense slip but also their defense. The Celtics must play hard on both ends for 4 quarters and not just 3.
Run - The Celtics need to run and beat the Bucks at their own game. The Bucks beat them in fast break points 17-11. The Celtics must run and try to get easy points before the Bucks defense, which is 9th in the league, can get set up.
X-Factors
Coaching and PrideThe Celtics are home and have had 2 days off, including a practice to get ready for this game. Can Brad Stevens out coach Larry Drew and prepare his team for whatever Drew can send at the Celtics? Also, after losing 2 games to a team that has just 3 wins, the Celtics have got to have some pride and go all out to get this win.