The first round of the NBA playoffs has been exciting for fans, and the numbers prove it. The four-game series between the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets averaged 4.8 million viewers across ABC, TNT, and ESPN, making it the most-viewed first round matchup series since the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors faced off in 2016. The Eastern Conference’s second round tips off Sunday, with a huge semifinal matchup between Boston and the Milwaukee Bucks.
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The Matchup
This is the battle in the Eastern Conference the fans have been waiting for. The defending champion Bucks, who beat the Celtics in five games during the 2019 Eastern Conference semifinals will once again go against the Green. Boston is red hot, sweeping the dominant offense of the Nets led by Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Jayson Tatum, who displayed why he is among the best in the league, led Boston with 29.5 points a night while averaging 7.3 assists and 4.5 rebounds. He also saw strong support from Jaylen Brown, who added just over 22 points a night. Along with their intense defense, the Celtics are a juggernaut and remain the hottest team in the NBA.
The Chicago Bulls made it a series with Milwaukee, after tying it up early. The Bucks, however, would win three straight games, advancing to the semifinals. Reigning finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo was phenomenal. He averaged just over 28 points a night, along with 13 rebounds. Unfortunately, Milwaukee will enter the semis with their star shooting guard, Khris Middleton. He averaged 14.5 points through two games. He has a Grade 2 MCL sprain and is not expected to return. he could also miss the conference finals should Milwaukee advance without him. With Middleton tending to his injury, Boston are the favorites and are trying to get back to the Eastern Conference Finals losing to the Heat in 2020. The Bucks are looking to overcome the Celtics en route to defending their title.
Boston Celtics X-Factor: Robert Williams III
Williams returned in Game 3 against the Nets after missing time due to a torn meniscus. While the Celtics didn’t need him starting each game, he will be a significant factor against the Bucks. Boston’s starting lineup with Williams in the mix — which has been one of the NBA’s best five-man groups — outscored opponents by 24.3 points per 100 possessions. Antetokounmpo will surely get to the rim, and the Celtics will rely on their shot blocker Williams to provide that needed boost. He averaged 10 points and 9.5 rebounds per game during the regular season.
Milwaukee Bucks X-Factor: Grayson Allen
Allen has got his name called with Middleton out, and he’s made the most of it. Coming off the bench in game three against the Bulls, Allen scored a team-high 22 points on 67 percent shooting. In the next game, he got 28 minutes and turned that into 27 points, including six three-pointers. While Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday will be leading the way, Allen is an adequate shooter that the Celtics will have to keep an eye on.
Series Prediction: Boston Celtics 4 – Milwaukee Bucks 2
Celtics vs. Bucks: Who wins 2nd Round playoff series? – Powered By PickUp**
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Main Image Credit: Celtics Blog
