Boston Celtics: 5 keys to series vs. Bucks

Down their two biggest stars, the Boston Celtics look vulnerable as the playoffs begin. What are the keys to winning their first round series?

The Boston Celtics entered the season surrounded by optimism and doubt. Optimism, because this team added an incredible amount of talent this offseason including All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward. Doubt, because 11 of the 15 players on the roster played elsewhere last season.

Despite losing Hayward to injury in the first minutes of opening night, the Celtics smothered opponents defensively en route to a strong 55 wins and the second seed in the Eastern Conference. But in addition to Hayward, the Celtics will be without Irving, Marcus Smart and reserve center Daniel Theis.

The draw could not have gone much better for Boston, however, which keeps them in the driver’s seat. The Milwaukee Bucks ended the season with a negative point differential despite their 44-38 record, a sign that this team is not at the typical quality of a playoff opponent.

Even so, they are led by an All-NBA talent in Giannis Antetokounmpo, and have a number of other capable offensive threats. The Celtics cannot get complacent, but must push as if they were the underdog. Which, without Irving, Hayward, Smart and Theis, they may very well be.