Tip: 7:30 PM Court: TD Garden Watch it: CSNNE Hear it: WEEI
Referees: Bill Spooner, John Goble and Courtney Kirkland
The Matchup
Last time
The Celtics swept last season's three game series. They have won 11 of the last 14 meetings overall and six of seven at TD Garden.
This time
Get it to: Ray Allen
I like what I saw last night from Ray Allen. He was getting great looks in the flow of the offense. Of course, Ray always gets good looks when the Celtics aren't massaging the ball. Shaun Livingston has been starting at the 2-spot for the Bucks. He's a decent defender and he's healthy, so Ray will have to work for it.
Gotta stop: Erysan Ilyasova
He's the kind of guy (scrappy, hustle) who gives the Celtics fits. He's averaging 17 ppg and 13 rpg over his last 5. He dropped 29 and 25 on the Nets last week. He's also a pretty good offensive rebounder.
The Wild Card: Brandon Jennings vs Rajon Rondo
The Celtics have a knack for conceding the paint to opponents' point guards. Will Rajon Rondo clamp down on Brandon Jennings? If not, the Celtics big may be forced to help and that could exacerbate the offensive rebounding problems. Might we see more of Avery Bradley?
How we see it goin' down
Both teams are playing the second night of back-to-backs. The Bucks are thin, especially up front. Drew Gooden (wrist) has been starting for Andrew Bogut (fractured ankle), but if he can't go, a rookie named Jon Leuer will see significant time. Stephen Jackson is disgruntled and ineffective (6.2 ppg 32% FG in Feb). I like the Celtics in another "grinder."
Prediction: BOS 91 – MIL 83
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