3 role players of interest in Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics Game 6

Bobby Portis will be a key role player of interest in crucial Game 6 between the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics

Just like Al Horford, these last two games have gone quite different for Bobby Portis. In Game 4, the big man scored four points as he played a mere 15 minutes in total. In Game 5, he played an integral role in the Milwaukee Bucks’ huge comeback, having scored 14 points in 28 minutes. He was the one who grabbed the offensive rebound off Giannis Antetokounmpo’s missed free throw to give the Bucks their lead late in the game. After his clutch outing in Game 5, the Bucks will likely aim to get Portis more involved in Game 6.

Although Portis has struggled offensively in this series by averaging 11 points while shooting just 40.8 percent from the floor and 18.8 percent from 3-point land, his impact has revolved around far more than just scoring in this series. As evidenced by his vital offensive rebound in Game 5, Portis has been a terror on the glass, and the Bucks need him to keep attacking. He is averaging 9.4 per game in this series, the second-most on the team behind Giannis Antetokounmpo. Surprisingly to some, Portis has also played some outstanding defense against the Celtics. Per NBA.com/stats, the Celtics have shot 16-of-45 (35.6 percent) when being defended by Portis as he has turned his game up a notch on that end.

In short, Portis is no stranger to the big moments, and the Milwaukee Bucks will need him to step up once again on the big stage tonight. Whether he is knocking down shots, dominating the glass, playing intense defense, or whatever else, Portis can make a huge impact on every game, and the chance to close out the series at home should certainly have him fired up.

Be sure to catch the must-see action at 6:30 p.m. CST on ESPN.