The Bucks and Celtics have been at war for six games. Who wins the final battle? Catch this game live on May 16, at 3:30 AM, Manila time.
Away: Milwaukee Bucks (3-3, 2-1 Away)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Jrue Holiday
- SG: Grayson Allen
- SF: Wesley Matthews
- PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo
- C: Brook Lopez
The Milwaukee Bucks have fought hard, but the Celtics were able to hold them off in Game 6, but 44 points, 20 rebound and six assists from Giannis Antetokounmpo were not enough. No one else on the team broke 20 points, which cannot happen again if the Bucks want to keep their title repeat hopes alive.
Jrue Holiday didn’t have as big of an impact as he did in Game 5, and finished with 17 points, two rebounds and four assists while shooting 7 of 17 from the floor (3 of 10 from deep), and they’ll need far more from him, considering that Khris Middleton still won’t be back to help add an extra scoring threat. While Pat Connaughton shot 6 of 8 from the field in Game 6, he’s not exactly the consistent threat that Antetokounmpo needs.
The Greek Freak outscored the rest of their starters 44-30, which will not cut it in a winner-takes-all Game 7. If no one else steps up, then the Bucks will be going home in the second round.
Home: Boston Celtics (3-3, 1-2 Home)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Marcus Smart
- SG: Jaylen Brown
- SF: Jayson Tatum
- PF: Grant Williams
- C: Al Horford
Jayson Tatum continued to elevate his superstar status in the NBA with an unbelievable performance in Game 6. His 46 points, nine rebounds and four assists was dominant, and he was the difference maker late in the game. The Celtics started the fourth quarter with a 13-point lead, but while Tatum rested, the Bucks cut it from 83-70 to 87-83. But as soon as Tatum came back into the game, he made an instant impact with his unbelievable shot making. Tatum had an answer every time the Bucks tried to rally after that, and he was making shots from everywhere on the court. By the time the game ended, he’d helped restore the 13-point lead.
The Celtics also got 21 points from Marcus Smart and 22 points from Jaylen Brown, and they shot a combined 15 of 32 from the field and both shot over 50% from three. Tatum will again open up space for them, and they’ll feast on the chances. Al Horford, who was relatively quiet in Game 6, is also available to do all the dirty work.
Home court should make a huge difference here, as the Celtics don’t want to lose a series in front of their boisterous fans.
PREDICTION:
Spread: Without Middleton, the Bucks don’t have enough firepower. I think Boston covers the -5.
Over/Under: I think the over 206 hits.
