Bucks vs. Celtics NBA Playoffs Game 2 Preview and Pick (Archive)
The Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics meet in Game 2 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. The Milwaukee Bucks were able to win Game 1 101-89. Can the Boston Celtics bounce back and be the winning NBA pick?
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics
Tuesday, May 03, 2022 – 07:00 PM EDT at TD Garden
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks made a statement that they are the defending champions of the NBA by going into Boston and taking Game 1 of their second-round NBA playoff series.
The Milwaukee Bucks were able to take control of the game by halftime, and they never relinquished the lead, ending up with a 12-point victory over the Boston Celtics.
The Milwaukee Bucks controlled the glass and showed a defensive intensity that the Celtics had not seen in their first-round playoff sweep over the Nets.
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The Bucks defeated the Chicago Bulls 4-1, so both teams came into the series in excellent form.
Giannis Antetokounmpo showed why many consider him to be the best player in the world with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists in the win.
Antetokounmpo dominated most of the game and was by far the best player on the floor. While in their sweep over the Nets, the Celtics' defense was able to clamp down on offensive weapon Kevin Durant.
They had no defensive answer for the size and strength of the Milwaukee 7-foot power forward who has the handles of a point guard.
The loss of Khris Middleton meant more usage for Giannis Antetokounmpo, and he made the most of his extra opportunities.
Jrue Holiday was also excellent for the Milwaukee Bucks. Holiday had 25 points and 10 rebounds while directing the offense and playing solid defense.
Bobby Portis gave the Bucks energy and fighting spirit with his 15 points and 11 rebounds. All three Buck stars are fierce competitors and their will to win was quite evident from the opening tip.
Boston Celtics
After cruising through the final three games of their last series against the Nets, the Boston Celtics were not ready for the intensity and defensive pressure the Milwaukee Bucks presented.
Jayson Tatum had 21 points, Jaylen Brown had 12 points, but it was not the best shooting night for the J & J Duo.
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The two combined to shoot 10-31. The Celtics had plenty of open 3-point shots but they could not make them fall. The Celtics shot an exorbitant 50 three-pointers in Game 1 and only made 18.
Both Marcus Smart and Robert Williams III had to leave the game at certain times with injuries. Marcus Smart had a shoulder stinger and a right quad bruise.
He returned to the game for the second half and played a total of 33 minutes and accrued 10 points and 6 assists.
Robert Williams III also missed time after taking a shot to the groin. After a quick visit to the locker room, Williams returned and was able to play.
The level of physicality in this series is much higher than what the Celtics endured in their easy wins over the Nets.
Key Matchup
Al Horford vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Al Horford got a tough assignment in Game 1. Celtics coach Ime Udoka decided that Horford would be the primary defender on Giannis.
Giannis often didn't even need the switch and was content to attack the veteran Horford. Giannis has a huge athleticism advantage here and Horford definitely struggled with the Milwaukee Bucks star.
On the opposite end of the floor, the Bucks were quite content with letting Horford shoot open threes.
Giannis often sagged off Horford in search of a rebound or to clog passing lanes, giving Horford wide-open threes.
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Al Horford was efficient, shooting 4-9 from 3. Still, you have to wonder if the Celtics expected the veteran Horford to be such a focal part of their offense in this series.
If Horford is able to have another nice offensive night and increase his defensive pressure on Giannis, the Celtics can take Game 2 and even the series.
If Giannis has another big night and Horford is not as efficient with all the wide-open looks the Bucks are giving him, the Bucks will head home with a commanding 2-0 lead.
Best Bet
It's tough to get away from the Bucks here. Yes, the game was very physical, but the refs also allowed a lot of physicality in the Celtics' first-round series against the Nets.
That's just the way the playoffs are. While the Celtics will have the advantage of the friendlier whistle, they still have no answer for Antetokounmpo.
Of course, the Celtics ' two stars can shoot better, but just like the Celtics did to Kyrie and KD, a lot of their shooting woes came from the Bucks' excellent, intense defense.
This game should be closer than the last game. I don't expect the Bucks to win easily, but they will not get blown out and they will cover the NBA odds, even if they don't win.
Our best bet for tonight's exciting playoff game is the Milwaukee Bucks +4.5.
NBA Pick: Bucks +4.5 (-110) with Bovada (visit our Bovada Review)
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.