The Boston Celtics will host a contest against the Milwaukee Bucks at the TD Garden. Action begins at 7:30 pm ET on Thursday, Feb. 25 and can be seen on CNE and FWi.
The Celtics are expecting a better outcome after their 124-122 loss to the Timberwolves on Monday. Jae Crowder was the team’s leading scorer with 27 points. The Bucks, meanwhile, are coming off a 108-101 win against the Lakers on Monday. They were carried by Giannis Antetokounmpo who recorded 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. He elevated his game, recording his first triple-double of the season.
Over the last five games, Crowder has taken his game to another level for the Celtics, averaging 18.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.4 three-pointers. The Bucks also have their own player combo that has upped their production in that same time frame. Antetokounmpo has averaged 19.0 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.2 blocks, while Khris Middleton has put up 19.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 2.6 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 1.6 three-pointers.
This one might be a mistake-prone game for the Bucks offense, which ranks 27th in the NBA in miscues (turnover percentage of 15.4%). They’re matched up against the disruptive Boston defense, which causes the third-most turnovers in the league (16.0%).
Both teams have won a game in the season series. The Bucks had the upper hand in the most recent game, a close 112-111 win. Greg Monroe put up a double-double in the victory with 29 points and 12 rebounds.
Notes
In games where they allow fewer than 100 points, the Milwaukee Bucks are a winning 15-6. In games where they score fewer than 100 points, the Boston Celtics have a losing record of 5-11.
When allowing 100 or more points in a game, the Bucks are just 9-27 this season. Boston is a solid 28-14 when registering triple digits.
The Bucks have an offensive rating of 102.1 (ranked 25th), while the Celtics rank fifth for their defensive rating of 100.7.
Milwaukee has an average field goal percentage of 46.1% (ranked sixth). Boston is an abysmal 5-15 when opponents have a similar or higher field goal percentage.
The Boston Celtics attempt 27.0 three pointers per game this season, while the Milwaukee Bucks attempt 15.0 per game. When they register 25 or more three point attempts in a game, Boston has a record of 19-21 while Milwaukee is winless (0-3).
Boston has an assist to turnover ratio of 1.78 this season (ranked third), while Milwaukee ranks lower at 18th with an A/TO of 1.55.
The Boston Celtics rebound 44.9 times per game and are ranked eighth. Ranked 25th, the Milwaukee Bucks rebound 42.2 times per game.
Boston is ranked 16th in defensive rebounds, while Milwaukee ranks 11th in offensive rebounds.
On average, the Bucks force a turnover rate of 15.1%, ranked seventh in the NBA. When the Celtics turn over the ball at a similar or higher rate, the team has a solid 14-9 record.
