Dec 13, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives to the basket while defended by Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Celtics will be up against the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.
The Boston Celtics surprised everyone when they swept the mighty Brooklyn Nets in the 1st round. They have emerged as the best defensive unit in the NBA, and have all the tools required to make it to the NBA Finals this season, but they have the defending champions in front of them.
Milwaukee Bucks are the defending champions of the NBA, and so far have looked pretty good to repeat last season’s heroics. However, injury to Khris Middleton can prove out to be very crucial for them, as Boston is pretty good defensively, and Giannis will have the most load offensively.
Celtics:
| PLAYER | POSITION | UPDATED | INJURY | INJURY STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaylen Brown | SG | Thu, Apr 28 | Hamstring | Game Time Decision |
Bucks:
| PLAYER | POSITION | UPDATED | INJURY | INJURY STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| George Hill | PG | Fri, Apr 29 | Abdomen | Expected to be out until at least May 3 |
| Khris Middleton | SF | Thu, Apr 28 | Knee | Expected to be out until at least May 20 |
In the absence of Khris Middleton, all the pressure is on Giannis. The reigning Finals MVP needs to carry his team from the front to compete against this Boston team who is very solid defensively. The Celtics were able to stop Kevin Durant, and it will be interesting to see if Giannis is able to dominate them, just like he has dominated everyone else.
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