FIRST TWO GAMES AT TD GARDEN: Celtics win both games to go up 2-0 in the series. One of the games was super close and ended in an OT thriller. The other game was a game the C's won with relative ease (some small drama/tense moments, but for the most part a solid double-digit win).
NEXT TWO GAMES ON THE ROAD: Bucks blow out the Celtics in Game 3. Wizards also blew out the Celtics in Game 3 last year. Now Game 4 was also a blowout win for WAS I believe, but remember Game 6, where it was super close, and the C's had their chances late, but ultimately lost on a game winner by the opposing team's star player. What happened today? Very similar. Game winner by Giannis and C's lose a close one on the road.
Basically, I'm not too worried about our chances just yet. I'm encouraged that the C's rallied back today for sure, because if they mailed it in and got blown out again, there'd be a lot more doubts/concerns before Game 5.
That said, we have to protect home court, and while I predicted Celtics in 6 before the series, I still think the Celtics win the series, but it probably takes 7 games. Idk what it is, but there are large stretches where the C's just play dumb and look completely lost @MIL. Their fans are definitely raucous and it's a great playoff atmosphere, but MIL as a team also seem to play a lot more engaged at home. That's why I think we come back and take Game 5, but taking Game 6 against a desperate MIL team at home will be real tough again.
I think this is a 7 game series (like the Washington series was last year) and in this case, home court will again (hopefully!) make a difference.