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2019 NBA Playoffs: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics preview

By Shea Norling

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 21: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics during a game at Fiserv Forum on February 21, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 21: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics during a game at Fiserv Forum on February 21, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Key Question No. 3: Which team will win the rebounding battle?

This is, in all likelihood, where this series will be decided. Milwaukee was the best defensive rebounding team in the NBA in the regular season. Boston, on the other hand, ranked in the bottom half of the league on the defensive glass, with just 34.7 defensive rebounds per game to the Bucks’ 40.4 per game.

The playoffs have been a different story for the Celtics, as the Bucks and Cs are the two best teams on the defensive glass so far in this year’s postseason. While getting defensive rebounds and limiting second chance points is always important, no matter who you are and who you’re playing, it feels especially important for the Celtics in this series.

Boston will need to rely on Horford to be its primary rebounder and rim protector in limiting second chances in this series. Milwaukee simply has too many big men that can get to the perimeter and punish Boston off of kick-outs on second chance opportunities.

Horford was reliable on the defensive glass in the first round, bringing down 8.5 boards per game, but the Celtics will need contributions from their wings, particularly Brown and Hayward, to help limit Milwaukee’s second chance scoring.

There is good news for the Celtics, as the Bucks weren’t especially excellent at crashing the offensive glass against Detroit. Part of this is competing with one of the greatest rebounders in league history in Andre Drummond, but the Bucks will still need to crash more effectively to keep the pressure on Boston.

Milwaukee’s length defensively, combined with Boston’s switchability on that end, will make life difficult for both teams in the half-court. The defensive showdown will make the rebounding battle even more important, as whichever team is able to score more often in transition and limit the other’s ability to run up the floor will find itself in great shape.