Milwaukee Bucks: Ranking Potential Eastern Conference Playoff Opponents

Boston Celtics

The most recent win for the surging Milwaukee Bucks was over the Boston Celtics in the Garden. While the Celtics currently sit in first place, both Milwaukee and Boston’s spots are fungible and they could end up facing off in the first round.

The reason Milwaukee matches up well against the Celtics is their length at every position. At 6’5″ Malcolm Brogdon has eight inches on Boston point guard Isaiah Thomas, and down the line Milwaukee continues to boast a height advantage at every position.

Isaiah Thomas has been an MVP candidate all season for his dominance, especially in fourth quarters.

When teams attempt to double the diminutive guard, Thomas finds the open man and sparks the ball moving around the court for a quality shot. Jaylen Brown, Avery Bradley, and Jae Crowder are becoming lethal at finding the right spot to settle into to receive the assist.

Milwaukee has the advantage because no matter who is checking Thomas — the aforementioned Brogdon, 6’4″ Matthew Dellavedova and 6’7″ Tony Snell — the combination of length and foot speed means the Bucks don’t have to double Thomas.

If they do, the length of every key rotation player means passing becomes more difficult through a sea of limbs.

The first time these two teams met, the Celtics squeaked out in overtime. The rematch Wednesday notched Milwaukee the three-point win. The rubber match comes on the final day of the season, a game that could decide whether these teams face off in the first round.