Bucks at Celtics
The Boston Celtics look to continue an unbeaten homestand and strengthen their hold on the top spot in the Eastern Conference when they host the surging Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday. Four straight victories to begin the six-game stay at TD Garden - including Sunday's 112-108 triumph over the Miami Heat - has vaulted the Celtics into first place with eight games to play.
"Every team in the NBA should want to be the best team in the NBA," Boston guard Avery Bradley told reporters. "We're showing that we can be if we're playing the right way, if we're playing the right kind of basketball. That's an accomplishment to be the first team in the East." Bradley later cautioned that his team could lose the top spot if it doesn't stay sharp, and the Bucks - winners of 12 of their last 15 - will provide a significant test. A balanced attack led by Tony Snell (season-high 26 points) helped Milwaukee pick up a 118-108 victory at Charlotte on Tuesday. It was the Bucks' fifth road win in its last six tries and kept them tied with Atlanta for fifth in the East.
TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), CSN New England (Boston)
ABOUT THE BUCKS (38-36): Snell hit four 3-pointers against Charlotte and rookie Malcolm Brogdon made his only two attempts from long range en route to his third straight 14-point effort. Both Brogdon and reserve big man Greg Monroe shot 6-of-7 as Milwaukee finished 62.2 percent from the floor. Center John Henson missed his fourth straight game due to a thumb injury and is expected to sit out a few more.
ABOUT THE CELTICS (48-26): Bradley struggled in his return from a bout of the flu, missing all four of his 3-point tries, but backcourt mate Isaiah Thomas was his usual self with 30 points against the Heat. Forward Jae Crowder has five of his seven double-doubles since the All-Star break and he recorded a season-high 25 points in Sunday's win. Thomas scored 37 points and Crowder added 20 in a four-point win at Milwaukee earlier this season.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Bucks F Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 26 points and 10.2 rebounds in five games since a nine-point, three-rebound effort at Golden State on March 18.
2. Celtics PG Marcus Smart is 2-for-18 from the floor in the last two outings but has 15 assists in that span.
3. The teams finish their regular-season schedules with another matchup in Boston on April 12.