Milwaukee Bucks: 3 things to watch for in return vs. Boston Celtics

3 things to watch for in Milwaukee Bucks’ return vs. Boston Celtics: Playoff preview?

With the Bucks all but assured of top spot in the Eastern Conference for the playoffs, and the Celtics in strong position to lock in either second or third, it seems unlikely that the eight seeding games played in Orlando will do anything to shake Milwaukee and Boston off a potential collision course.

Of course, the two franchises already have a rich postseason history, not just in terms of their rivalry dating all the way back to the 1970s and ’80s, but also given they’ve gone toe-to-toe in the playoffs in the past two years too.

Without Bledsoe, Connaughton, and potentially Williams, the Bucks won’t be at full strength, but there will still remain a notable motivation to avoid fueling the confidence of Kemba Walker, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum ahead of any potential future meeting.

The fact that the two teams could come head-to-head in a series with much higher stakes in the near future will ensure both coaches keep some cards close to their chests on Friday night. But with the season series currently tied at one win apiece, there’s certainly plenty to play for, and a psychological edge to be gained.

Whether the quality of basketball resembles what Bucks fans have been used to remains to be seen, and is probably unlikely, but at long last Milwaukee’s outstanding season will resume with meaningful games.

Tip-off from Orlando is set for 5.30pm CT, with the game being carried by both local and national broadcasters.