Boston @ Milwaukee preview

Last Meeting ( Dec 4, 2017 ) Milwaukee 100, Boston 111

The Boston Celtics have won six in a row and begin a crucial two-game road trip in their quest for the top spot in the Eastern Conference when they visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday. The Celtics are two games behind the first-place Toronto Raptors, whom they visit Wednesday to finish the back-to-back.

Boston defeated the Raptors 110-99 on Saturday at home to make the race for the No. 1 seed that much more interesting. "We have to see them twice in a week, and we know it's going to be a battle," guard Terry Rozier told reporters after scoring 21 points in the victory. "But I say we don't let the standings dictate anything. We just go out there and we play and we go to war. That's what happened tonight." Before the rematch, the Celtics must first contend with a Bucks squad that is on the verge of clinching a playoff berth and could finish as high as sixth in the East. Milwaukee won four of five and had Denver on the ropes Sunday before faltering down the stretch and dropping a 128-125 overtime affair.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, NBCS Boston, FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

ABOUT THE CELTICS (53-23): Rozier has filled in very well for the injured Kyrie Irving and Morris has taken his game to another level amid the team's many physical issues over the past month. The Kansas product is averaging 24 points on 61.2 percent shooting over his last four games while making 12-of-20 3-pointers. "Whatever they can do, we can do," Morris said of the matchups with the Raptors. "We just play hard. A couple guys stepped up. ... It was a good team win."


ABOUT THE BUCKS (41-36): Milwaukee has the talent to scare someone in the first round of the playoffs and it will be even more formidable if Jabari Parker plays anything like he did Sunday against Denver. In his 26th game since returning from a torn ACL, Parker had season highs of 35 points and 10 rebounds while making 14-of-23 shots in 39 minutes. "I think I was getting good looks," Parker told the media. "What helps is that my teammates help me out there and they constantly just try to keep me engaged. It's not fun just coming off the bench and playing spot minutes, but I thank them for staying with me."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Rozier averages 18.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and five assists in 12 starts.

2. Bucks PF Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 35 points and 10.7 rebounds in the three games against the Celtics this season.

3. Boston took two of the first three meetings, including a 96-89 triumph in its one visit to Milwaukee on Oct. 26.

PREDICTION: Celtics 107, Bucks 104