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By: Michael
The Champs are here. The Milwaukee Bucks did exactly what they were supposed to do against a depleted Bulls team. The Celtics know who is at the doorstep if they want to take the next step with this particular core to an NBA Finals run. However, the Bucks are not who they were when they finished the regular season because their best two way wing in Khris Middleton will miss the entire series with an injury. I originally thought the Bucks would be too much for the Cs and win in 6, but there has been a change in our midst. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown became the best duo in these 2022 playoffs. They destroyed the Brooklyn Nets in Round 1. They didn’t duck the smoke. That energy and determination will continue with the Celtics winning this series to go to their 4th Eastern Conference Finals in 6 years.
Celtics in 7.
X-Factor: Al Horford
By: Tariq
The Celtics ran through Brooklyn in just four games, and has become the favorite to many in the East. Although Middleton is out, you can not count out the champs just yet. Giannis Antetokounmpo is the best player in the league, and has improved greatly on his weaknesses. If there is a team that is fully suited to contain Giannis, it’s the Celtics. They have the perfect amount of size, athleticism, and speed with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Robert Williams, Al Horford, and Marcus Smart. Also having Grant Williams and Daniel Thies off the bench are extremely underrated pieces on the defensive end. The key in this series will be Jrue Holiday’s offense and the perimeter shooting of Milwaukee. Will the experience of last year help the Bucks? Will the Celtics get closer to finally hitting their ceiling?
Celtics in 7.
X-Factor: Brook Lopez
By: Shawn Coleman
The Bucks being without Khris Middleton is the biggest narrative in their matchup with the Celtics. Giannis will have to be an absolute force all series long, but likely will need great shooting or an outlier positive offensive performance from someone else for the Bucks to win. I think the Celtics defense is good enough to prevent that, and their offense can find enough balance to win the series in 6 games
Celtics in 6.
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