Milwaukee opens playoff series against Boston
Boston Celtics (49-33, fourth in the Eastern Conference during the regular season) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (60-22, first in the Eastern Conference during the regular season)
Milwaukee; Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT
EASTERN CONFERENCE SECOND ROUND: Milwaukee hosts first series matchup
BOTTOM LINE: The Milwaukee Bucks host the Boston Celtics to begin the Eastern Conference second round. Milwaukee went 2-1 against Boston during the regular season.
The Bucks have gone 33-8 at home. Milwaukee is 40-21 when they allow more than 100 points.
The Celtics have gone 21-20 away from home. Boston is 5-6 in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
TOP PERFORMERS: Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the Bucks scoring 27.7 points per game and averaging 12.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists. Khris Middleton has averaged 16.4 points and totaled 3.5 rebounds while shooting 38.0 percent over the last 10 games for Milwaukee.
Al Horford leads the Celtics with 6.7 rebounds and averages 13.6 points. Kyrie Irving has averaged 17.8 points and totaled 3.5 rebounds while shooting 33.7 percent over the last 10 games for Boston.
DURING THE PLAYOFFS: Celtics: Averaging 99.3 points, 47.8 rebounds, 20.3 assists, 5.5 steals and 3.0 blocks per game while shooting 44.4 percent from the field. Their opponents have averaged 91.8 points on 40.1 percent shooting.
Bucks: Averaging 121.8 points, 53.2 rebounds, 28.5 assists, 5.8 steals and 8.8 blocks per game while shooting 51.0 percent from the field. Their opponents have averaged 98 points on 38.8 percent shooting.
Bucks Injuries: Pau Gasol: out (ankle), Donte DiVincenzo: out for season (heel), Malcolm Brogdon: out (heel), Tony Snell: day to day (ankle).
Celtics Injuries: Guerschon Yabusele: day to day (back), Marcus Smart: out (oblique).