© Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics are on a collision course to meet in the playoffs
With over a quarter of the season done, the top of the East is becoming clearer by the day.
The Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks have the two best records in the league, and they have been the best teams by a mile. The two teams have separated themselves from the pack and are set on a collision course in the playoffs.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics seem to have taken the Finals loss to heart and have been on a tear this season. They sit on top of the league with an impressive record of 21-5. The Celtics also have the number-one offensive team in the league—their offensive rating of 119.9 is the highest in NBA history.
Many thought that the Celtics would be impacted massively by the suspension of Ime Udoka. But that has hardly seemed to matter with Joe Mazzulla hitting the ground running from day one. The Celtics are having their best season in years, and they are keen on getting back to the Finals.
A large part of the Celtics' success has been the rise of Jayson Tatum. The three-time All-Star is having the best season of his career, averaging career highs across major categories (30.5 ppg, 8.2 rpg, and 4.1 apg).
Tatum had a poor run in the Finals, and he seems to be on a mission to prove everyone wrong, as the 24-year-old is one of the main candidates for the MVP award.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks had the world at their feet last year. They were the defending champs and favorites to win it all again. But an injury to Khris Middleton cost them dearly as they fell to the Celtics in seven games of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.
But they have come back this season to take what is rightfully theirs.
The Bucks have the second-best record in the league (18-6), and they are playing with a purpose. Milwaukee is currently ranked second in terms of defensive rating (107.1)— for a long time, they were No.1. The team has made defense their identity, and they have adopted a new approach this time around, focusing on guarding the perimeter and three-point shooters more carefully. And it has paid dividends.
The Bucks have missed Middleton for the majority of the season, and they still have the second-best record. The reason for that is Giannis Antetokounmpo who is playing out of his mind and having one of his best seasons to date. He may be in line to win his third MVP if he keeps it up.
Celtics versus Bucks
These 2 teams have been a level above everyone else, and at this rate, they will match up in the Eastern Conference Finals. This will be a battle for the ages, as the Bucks and Celtics have been the two best teams in the league by a distance.
Milwaukee will have vengeance on their mind since the Celtics knocked them out last time around. Thankfully we will see the preview of that potential playoff battle soon, as the two juggernauts are set to face off for the first time this season on Christmas Day.
