Boston Celtics vs Milwaukee Bucks 5/13/22: Starting Lineups, Matchup Preview, Betting Odds, Live Stream

Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks Matchup Preview (5/13/22)

The Boston Celtics (2-3) face elimination against the Milwaukee Bucks (3-2) in Game 6 on Friday night. Boston blew a 14-point 4th quarter lead in a crucial Game 5 and lost 110-107. Marcus Smart made four poor decisions at the end which cost them the game. He finished with 15 points and only 1 assist on 3/5 from three. Jayson Tatum dropped 34 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, but he had a 41.3 FG% and 18.1 3PT%. Jaylen Brown had an all-around game of 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists on an efficient 47/42/83 shooting split. Boston once again received an excellent game from Al Horford, who contributed 8 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block. Off the bench, trade deadline acquisition Derrick White chipped in 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. The Celtics should have won Game 5, but they now face back-to-back elimination games because of late mistakes. Robert Williams, who missed Game 4 and 5, is a game time decision. If he cannot play, then Grant Williams will get the start again. 

The Bucks stole Game 5 and are now one victory away from advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. Down 105-99 with 2 minutes left, Giannis Antetokounmpo made a critical three-pointer to make it a one possession game. Overall, he produced 40 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists on a 59.2 FG%. Jrue Holiday tied the game with a three right after Giannis’ shot, and he also made two defensive plays at the end to seal the game. Smart may have won DPOY, but Holiday showed why he is the best defensive guard in the NBA. Holiday finished with 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists on a 37/57/100 shooting split. The bench was key in this game for Milwaukee. Bobby Portis had a double-double (14 points, 15 rebounds), and Pat Connaughton added 13 points on 3/5 from three. Khris Middleton has progressed nicely, but he is still out for Game 6 and likely Game 7 if necessary.

Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks Betting Odds

The spread for Game 6 is -1.5 Bucks, but I like the Celtics to win by 3-5 points. For the most part, they have looked like the better team this series. Boston arguably should have won both Game 3 and 5, which would make it 4-1 Celtics. Giannis is a worrisome threat to this prediction, but I believe Tatum will bounce back and shine in Game 6. The over under is set at 211 total points. I like the under to hit here because it is going to be a defensive duel between these teams. With the Celtics fighting for their lives and the Bucks fighting to advance, the defense will be absolutely elite.  

TV Schedule

Date: 5/13/22
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Arena: Fiserv Forum – Milwaukee, WI
Channel: ESPN

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Boston Celtics Starting Lineup

PG: Marcus Smart
SG: Jaylen Brown
SF: Jayson Tatum
PF: Grant Williams
C: Al Horford

Boston Celtics Analysis

In their two wins, Tatum is averaging 29.5 PPG and 6.5 APG on a 47.7 FG% and 40 3PT%. In their three losses, he is averaging 21.6 PPG and 4.3 APG on a 33.3 FG% and 23 3PT%. His scoring and playmaking has been the key to the Celtics success. The Bucks play tough defense, so Boston needs their players to hit isolation shots and create for others. When Tatum is clicking, he is able to exploit the Bucks defense by penetrating and pulling up for a jumper or passing. His offensive versatility breaks down Milwaukee, and they need him to perform in Game 6. 

Al Horford has been exceptional this series, as he looks like he is in the middle of his prime. He is guarding Giannis alone and doing it very well. His passing and three-point shooting opens up the offense also, so Horford is vital on both ends of the court. With Robert Williams likely out, the Celtics need Horford and Grant Williams to lock down the interior. 

Milwaukee Bucks Starting Lineup

PG: Jrue Holiday
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Grayson Allen
PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo
C: Brook Lopez

Milwaukee Bucks Analysis

We know Giannis is going to drop a monster stat line, and Jrue Holiday will dominate on both ends of the court. However, they have lacked a consistent third option. It’s varied game to game, but the Bucks need at least two players to play above their role and impact the game. Brook Lopez’s rim protection will force the Celtics to shoot more threes, but can he hit his own threes? When Lopez is hitting his shots, the paint rapidly opens up for Giannis’ drives. Allen and Connaughton are marksmen from deep, but adding Lopez to that list for Game 6 would be extremely beneficial. 

Wesley Matthews has been excellent on the defensive end, especially against Tatum. If he can knock down a couple threes while bothering Tatum, it would completely change the game. Allen and Connaughton don’t provide much on defense, so Matthews would be a compromise that somewhat alleviates that problem.