BOSTON – The Milwaukee Bucks will look to end their four-game losing streak as they face the Boston Celtics at TD Garden this afternoon. Currently sitting at 18-28 overall, the Bucks are in 12th place in the Eastern Conference and have lost eight of their last ten games. They are just one game behind Atlanta for the 10th and final play-in spot.
In contrast, the Celtics are holding strong in third place with a record of 30-18.
Today’s matchup marks the league’s inaugural NBA Pioneers Classic, coinciding with the start of Black History Month. This special event honors the contributions of Chuck Cooper, Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, and Earl Lloyd, who were trailblazers as the first Black players in the NBA. Cooper made history in 1950 by being the first Black player drafted, followed by Clifton as the first to sign an NBA contract, and Lloyd as the first to take the court during a game. To commemorate this occasion, both teams will wear special jersey patches and shooting shirts.
Unfortunately for the Bucks, their star player Giannis Antetokounmpo is out indefinitely due to a right calf injury sustained on January 23 against the Denver Nuggets. Milwaukee’s record without him stands at 3-13, with the last victory coming against the Indiana Pacers on December 23. Notably, the Bucks did triumph over the Celtics earlier this season on December 11.
Fans can catch the game, which has a scheduled tip-off at 2:30 p.m. CT, on ESPN for the national broadcast or locally on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin. The Celtics enter the game as 13.5-point favorites, with an over/under set at 217.5 points, according to BetMGM.
In terms of injuries, the Bucks will also be without Taurean Prince due to neck surgery and Kevin Porter Jr. because of a right oblique strain, while Gary Harris is listed as probable with left hamstring soreness. The expected starting lineup for Milwaukee features guards Ryan Rollins and AJ Green, forwards Bobby Portis Jr. and Kyle Kuzma, and center Myles Turner.
As the Bucks aim to bounce back against a strong Celtics team in a significant game, there remains hope for a turnaround amid the challenges they face.