If good teams are measured by how they respond to adversity, then the Milwaukee Bucks are looking like one of the all-time greats.
The Bucks are a week removed from the freak accident that ended the season of star center Andrew Bogut. And in that week, they've done nothing but win. They've rolled over the Suns, Bulls and Nets for three straight wins despite the loss of their best player; meanwhile, the Celtics are fully healthy and have yet have still lost two of three.
The Bucks are alive and fighting for the No. 5 seed in the playoffs, while the Celtics remain in the hunt for the No. 3.
When and Where
Celtics (49-30) at Bucks (45-34)
Saturday, April 10, 8:30 p.m. (CSNE)
Bradley Center, Milwaukee, Wisc.
Head to Head
This has been a good matchup for the Celtics in the past, but their most recent memory is an 86-84 loss at the Bradley Center on March 9, decided at the final buzzer by a missed jumper from Paul Pierce. That made them 1-1 against the Bucks this season, after winning in Boston on Dec. 8, and 7-2 over the course of the last three seasons. This is the third of four matchups this season between the Celtics and Bucks — the last will be the season finale on Wednesday back in Boston.
Key Matchup
Rajon Rondo vs. Brandon Jennings
There was a time earlier this season when the Bucks wanted Jennings to shoot less, to be more unselfish, to distribute more and keep the team's offense balanced. But with Bogut now out of the lineup, you can expect to see the old Jennings again. He's young, he's quick, he's athletic and he can score like crazy. But then again, the same can be said of Rondo. This is one of the more entertaining matchups the NBA has to offer. Two of the league's best young star guards — how can you not love it?
Starting Lineups
Celtics
Point guard: Rajon Rondo
Shooting guard: Ray Allen
Small forward: Paul Pierce
Power forward: Kevin Garnett
Center: Kendrick Perkins
Bucks
Point guard: Brandon Jennings
Shooting guard: John Salmons
Small forward: Carlos Delfino
Power forward: Luc Richard Mbah a Moute
Center: Kurt Thomas
Stat Sheet
Celtics
- The Celtics are 25-14 away from the TD Garden this season. They need a win Saturday night to tie Cleveland for the most road wins in the NBA with 26.
- Kendrick Perkins leads the Celtics in rebounds per game (7.6) and blocks per game (1.7).
- Paul Pierce has averaged 22.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists against the Bucks in his career.
Bucks
- The Bucks are 4-5 without Andrew Bogut and 41-29 with him.
- Brandon Jennings had five steals in the Bucks' win Friday night over the Sixers, a career high.
- John Salmons has averaged 20.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists in his first 26 games in a Bucks uniform.
Black and Blue
Celtics
- The Celtics remain fully healthy going into their final three games of the season.
Bucks
- Andrew Bogut dislocated his right elbow in the Bucks' game against the Suns last Saturday. He is now out for the season.
- Michael Redd underwent surgery on his left knee in January. He is also done for the year.
Outlook
How are the Bucks winning without Bogut? With balance. A different guy steps up each night, whether it's Brandon Jennings, John Salmons, Carlos Delfino or whoever else. Against a balanced offense, you've got to have a balanced defense. Every Celtic has to step up and help this team get stops. Not just the starters, but the second unit, too — Doc Rivers needs to get everyone on his roster, from one through 12, committed to fundamental defense. The Celtics have gotten a little bit lazy this week, and there's no excuse for it with the playoffs on the horizon. This game is a chance to get back on track.
