The Boston Celtics will travel to Milwaukee to face the Bucks in an elimination game 6 on Thursday. The Boston Celtics, who lead the series 3-2, can eliminate Milwaukee with a win. Boston took the series lead in game 5, beating the Bucks 92-87. Milwaukee will be trying to even the series and force a decisive game 7 back in Boston.
Each game so far in this series has been won by the home team, and the Bucks hope that trend continues for them in Milwaukee. Both teams have shown the ability to win a close game in this series, and there have also been a couple blowouts. The series has featured physical play from both teams. The Milwaukee Bucks are -5 over the Boston Celtics in the NBA on Thursday.
Smart’s Return Gives Celtics a Boost
The return of Marcus Smart provided the Celtics with an emotional boost in their game 5 win. Smart, who was returning from a thumb injury, only scored 9 points, but it is his hustle and determination that inspires his teammates. The Celtics hope to keep the momentum going as they head to Milwaukee.
Veteran forward, Al Horford, had a huge game for the Celtics in game 5. Horford scored 22 points while also grabbing 14 rebounds. The Celtics also did a much better job in containing Bucks star, Giannis Antetokounmpo in game 5. The Celtics will need to have another solid game defensively if they are going to eliminate the Bucks on the road.
Bucks Need to Make Shots
Milwaukee scored just 87 points in their game 5 loss, and shot just 36.8% in the process. Boston played a switching man to man defense, and the Bucks struggled to get open shots most of the night. Milwaukee must make offensive adjustments in game 6 if they are going to extend the series.
Bucks star, Giannis Antetokounmpo, was not his normal self in game 5, and it cost Milwaukee the game. “The Greek Freak” scored just 16 points, but only attempted 10 field goal attempts for the entire game. Antetokounmpo must be more aggressive in game 6 if the Bucks hope to have any shot of forcing a game 7.
Bucks Adjust, Force a Game 7
These two teams are too evenly matched for this series to not go to a decisive 7th game. Boston has not proven that it can win on the road in these playoffs yet, even though the return of Smart makes them more complete. Boston’s defense was great in game 6, but expect the Bucks to make offensive adjustments.
Bucks star, Antetokounmpo was limited offensively in game 5, but he is too good to be shut down again. Look for “The Greek Freak” to be extremely aggressive in game 6 and attack the Boston defense. Milwaukee looked like the better team in games 3 and 4 at home, and that trend will continue in game 6. Look for Milwaukee to stave off elimination and force a decisive game 7 back in Boston.Take the home team – the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday over the Boston Celtics.
