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

Predictions

The Boston Celtics are much worse than their record implies, both by nature of outperforming their point differential and of entering without four key players, three of which helped build up that record before falling to injury. The Celtics do not deserve to be overwhelming favorites against anyone.

That being said, Milwaukee has been a mediocre team all season. Despite a 44-38 record, the Bucks finished the season with a negative point differential. Giannis Antetokounmpo is truly special and could swing any single game though, and certainly could push them to a series victory.

In the end it comes down to the coaching, and the Celtics run away with this one. Prunty is still trying to figure out how to kill the bad habits that Jason Kidd instilled, and in the meantime, the Bucks have to face the most tactically sound coach in the league. Brad Stevens will have sets designed that simply blow to pieces the idea of Milwaukee stopping the Celtics.

Players still have to make shots, and these two teams are close enough that any outcome would be reasonable. But in the end the Celtics have the better infrastructure and coaching to see them through to a victory.

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Prediction: Celtics in 6