The Boston Celtics visit the Milwaukee Bucks looking to go up two-zip in the season series. Can they do it on the second night of a back-to-back?

Catch the game tomorrow at 8:30 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Boston Celtics (29-8, 11-8 AWAY)

Projected starting five:

• Jrue Holiday
• Derrick White
• Jaylen Brown
• Jayson Tatum
• Kristaps Porzingis

The Celtics got back in the win column on Thursday after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in overtime, 127-120. It was a confidence-boosting victory for the league’s top seed (as if they needed one) as they rallied from a nine-point deficit with only three minutes remaining. The Jays–Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown–led the way like they always do, pouring in 45 and 35 points, respectively.

Still, tomorrow will have an up-and-down feel. While the Celtics are 1-0 on the Bucks this season, having won, 119-116, last November 23rd, they are coming in on 0 days rest, which is always a challenge. Tatum, in particular, should be front and center, as he shot a mediocre 7-of-17 in that victory. This game will be a good opportunity to make everyone remember why he’s one of the elites.

Nevertheless, Boston has gunners everywhere. Seven Celtics reached double figures in the win vs. the Bucks, led by Brown’s team-high 26 and Porzingis’s 21.

The Celtics are scoring 121.3 PPG and only giving up 111.0 in return.

HOME: Milwaukee Bucks (25-2, 16-4 HOME)

Projected starting five:

• Damian Lillard (day-to-day)
• Malik Beasley
• Khris Middleton
• Giannis Antetokounmpo
• Brook Lopez

The Bucks are in a tough stretch, desperate to get out. They are just 1-4 in their last five games, with the most recent one coming at the hands of the lottery-bound Utah Jazz. Their offense is producing 118.4 PPG in that span, but their defense has stunk, allowing 125.8.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Brook Lopez each scored 20-plus in that aforementioned loss to the Celtics, so they should know to show up with more in this second encounter – Lillard has to be more efficient in his shots as he’s only at 38.9% in his last nine outings. 

Khris Middleton also has to step up since he only went 4-of-14 for 12 points in that recent Boston matchup. Further, the secondary guys should be more assertive to – stretch power forward Bobby Portis, designated shooter Malik Beasley, Cam Payne, and Pat Connaughton, among others.

PREDICTIONS:

Handicap: The Bucks (-6) cover the spread.

Over/Under: The total goes under 240.