Milwaukee @ Boston preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 12, 2017 ) Milwaukee 94, Boston 112

The Boston Celtics suffered a season-opening defeat, but the more devastating loss occurred when offseason signee Gordon Hayward sustained what likely was a season-ending injury. The All-Star forward fractured his left tibia and dislocated his ankle in Tuesday's setback against Cleveland, and the Celtics begins the task of moving on when they host the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday.

Hayward was injured just over five minutes into the 102-99 loss when he went up for a lob and landed awkwardly after colliding with Cavaliers forward LeBron James. "Hopefully, we'll get a full recovery," Boston coach Brad Stevens told reporters. "It's a tough deal. I really feel for him." The Bucks have reached the playoffs in two of coach Jason Kidd's first three seasons and the roster, led by All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, is nearly identical to last campaign's 42-win squad. "We are familiar, but the big thing is, we can't wait," Kidd told reporters. "It's a group that's been together, (but) we just can't rely on one person. Everybody has to be able to be in tune with what they're doing."

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FSN Wisconsin (Milwaukee), NBCSN Boston

ABOUT THE BUCKS (2016-17: 42-40): The 22-year-old Antetokounmpo has achieved bona fide star status after averaging 22.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.9 blocked shots and 1.6 steals last season and figures only to get better. Shooting guard Khris Middleton is healthy after being limited to 29 games last season due to a hamstring injury and mixes well with backcourt mate Malcolm Brogdon, who was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2016-17. Milwaukee won't have forward Jabari Parker until sometime around the All-Star break as he recovers from his second ACL tear in his left knee since entering the NBA in 2014.

ABOUT THE CELTICS (0-1): The loss of Hayward will mean a bigger role for first-round pick Jayson Tatum, and the rookie forward recorded 14 points and 10 rebounds in 37 minutes against Cleveland. Second-year forward Jaylen Brown already is being counted on to supply more offense and was up to the task, scoring a team-high 25 points in the season opener. Point guard Kyrie Irving contributed 22 points and 10 assists in his return to Cleveland, but his Boston debut ended in disappointing fashion as he missed a tying 3-point attempt at the buzzer.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Celtics went 2-1 against the Bucks last season and have won six of the last eight meetings.

2. Boston was just 8-of-32 from 3-point range in the loss to the Cavaliers.

3. Milwaukee didn't sign Parker to a contract extension prior to Monday's deadline, so the No. 2 pick of the 2014 NBA draft will be a restricted free agent following the season.

PREDICTION: Celtics 104, Bucks 99