The Boston Celtics will be without key starters Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum when they face the Milwaukee Bucks Monday night at Fiserv Forum, while Giannis Antetokounmpo is set to return for the Bucks after a five-week absence due to a calf injury.
Boston (40-20) is coming off a 114-98 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday, a game highlighted by a strong performance from Neemias Queta, who recorded 27 points and 17 rebounds. Jaylen Brown contributed 27 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists in that win. Although, Brown will miss Monday’s game due to an illness, according to the Celtics’ official injury report. Tatum continues his recovery from a torn Achilles suffered last season, though he has been participating in scrimmages with Boston’s G League affiliate.
Queta’s absence on Monday will likely lead to increased playing time for Nikola Vucevic or Luka Garza, with Vucevic appearing to be the more probable choice to enter the starting lineup. Payton Pritchard, Baylor Scheierman, and Hugo Gonzalez could also witness expanded roles with Brown sidelined.
Milwaukee (26-33) lost to the Chicago Bulls on Sunday, with Bobby Portis leading the team with 18 points and five rebounds. The Bucks will welcome back Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has been sidelined since January 27 with a right calf strain. His return is expected to provide a significant boost to a Milwaukee team currently 11th in the Eastern Conference.
The Celtics defeated the Bucks 107-79 in their last meeting on February 1, with Jaylen Brown leading all scorers with 30 points. Ryan Rollins led Milwaukee with 25 points in that contest. The Celtics currently hold a 40-20 record, placing them second in the Eastern Conference, while the Bucks are 26-33.
Taruean Prince remains out for the Bucks as he continues to recover from neck surgery. Monday’s game is scheduled to tip off at 7:30 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on NBA TV.
