2018 NBA Playoffs: Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks series preview

Individual matchups

With the losses of Gordon Hayward, Kyrie Irving and Marcus Smart, the Boston Celtics have had to re-do their rotation again and again. For the Bucks, a number of players returning from injury means they will need to settle back into a rotation early on. Here are the matchups to watch.

PG: Terry Rozier vs. Eric Bledsoe

For much of the season, the Celtics started an All-Star point guard who would have given them a decided advantage in the series. With Kyrie Irving out, Terry Rozier will have to step up and lead this team into the postseason. Milwaukee has a fringe All-Star who enters fully healthy and on somewhat of a roll. Advantage: Bucks

SG: Jaylen Brown vs. Tony Snell

Boston entered the season starting sophomore wing Jaylen Brown, and the young player performed his role admirably, showing versatility and defensive verve. He will be asked to take on more of an offensive load in the absence of Irving. On the other side is Tony Snell, a low-usage gunner with the length to swallow opposing guards whole on defense. Advantage: Celtics

SF: Jayson Tatum vs. Khris Middleton

Jayson Tatum has been one of the best rookies in the league this season, starting from the jump for a team with championship aspirations. Even if that goal has dimmed, Tatum can flex his muscles in the fight of the postseason. Milwaukee’s Khris Middleton is a capable two-way wing who averaged 20.3 points per game this season as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s wingman. Advantage: Bucks

PF: Al Horford vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Al Horford is a legitimate candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, using his versatility and foot speed to guard inside and outside, snuffing out plays across the floor. On offense, his shooting and passing open up the floor for the rest of the team to go to work. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been every bit as good as Horford on both sides of the ball, and can absolutely take over a game offensively when necessary. Advantage: Bucks

C: Aron Baynes vs. John Henson

In Aron Baynes the Celtics found a bruiser of a starting center, a defensive anchor who pairs perfectly with Horford in preventing opponents from scoring. In John Henson the Bucks have a thin, lanky player who has played well with Giannis Antetokounmpo but poorly with anyone else. Neither player provides much offense. Advantage: Celtics

Bench

The Celtics have leaned on a strong bench all season, but that will be challenged as the bench is stretched thin after all of the injuries. Marcus Morris, Semi Ojeleye and Shane Larkin will all see minutes in the playoffs. In Milwaukee the bench seems deep — Malcolm Brogdon, Matthew Dellavedova, Jabari Parker, Thon Maker, Sterling Brown — but it has been below-average all season. Advantage: Celtics

Coach

Brad Stevens is as close to a wizard as there is in the NBA, spinning gold from straw and making miracles happen. He has kept the Celtics playing at a high level all year despite the injuries. Joe Prunty, the Bucks’ interim coach, has been fine, but in comparison to his predecessor that’s not saying much. Advantage: Celtics