So, we’re going to talk about the Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks. But we’re in a world where Jaylen Brown, although unfit, isn’t even in the picture fully, amidst narratives so much bigger than the 2024 Finals MVP.

Maybe the Milwaukee Bucks celebrated early after beating the Utah Jazz. After all, it was only the Jazz. But a win’s a win, right? The rejuvenated Bucks were then put to the test by the New York Knicks, and what happened? A blowout victory for the NY side. With this loss, their victory streak resets to 0, again. Can a Greek God-like rage from the ‘Greek Freak’ drive them to beat the reigning champs?

The Boston Celtics are one of the best teams in the NBA right now. Although this claim was thoroughly shaken by the Brooklyn Nets. They were almost going to stun the C’s at the TD Garden. But the important word is ‘almost’.

Through their first 10 games, the Celtics have come out strong with an impressive 8-2 record. Even without Kristaps Porzingis and Jaylen Brown, they’ve kept pushing forward. It’s impressive how they’ve managed to do so.

Now, Boston sets its sights on facing a Bucks team that, let’s be honest, has yet to meet expectations. The Bucks’ issues lie in their weak defense and rebounding, while the C’s have a solid balance on both ends. This could leave the Bucks struggling to keep up. Milwaukee has historically edged out Boston, winning 119 of 231 encounters. However, they need to improve their inconsistent play.

Boston Celtics are close to getting their star shooting forward back

The Celtics’ injury report for Sunday’s game against the Bucks lists 4 important players, including Jaylen Brown, as they’re eyeing their ninth win of the season. The 6-foot-6 shooting forward traveled to Milwaukee with the team and is listed as questionable for Sunday. He has missed the Celtics’ last 4 games due to a strained left hip flexor. Mazzulla mentioned JB’s status remains day-to-day.

“(They’re) day to day, like the rest of us,” Joe said. “(Brown) getting better. Getting a little bit better each day. Getting there.”

The fact that they listed Jaylen Brown as questionable, not out, signals he’s nearing a return. However, whether the hoopster will play on Sunday is still unclear, as he could miss his fifth straight game. Here’s the team’s depth chart.

The Celtics played without center Luke Kornet in Friday’s 108-104 overtime win against Brooklyn due to right hamstring tightness. Kornet is now listed as questionable after tweaking his hamstring in Wednesday’s loss to the Warriors. With the questionable label, it seems unlikely he’ll play. If Kornet is out, Neemias Queta or Xavier Tillman could start alongside Al Horford in the frontcourt.

Porzingis has yet to take the floor this season, as he continues his recovery from the left posterior tibialis tendon surgery. In his debut year with Boston, he impressed by averaging 20.1 points and 7.2 rebounds, along with a solid 37.5% shooting from beyond the arc. He’s expected to be back in December. Jade Springer is questionable because of a left knee injury. He has played an average of just 4.0 minutes across four appearances this season. If he can’t play against Milwaukee, it likely won’t affect Boston’s rotation much.

Can the Bucks pull off one big upset by beating the Celtics?

With a 2-7 record, Milwaukee finds itself near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, a surprising position for a team featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Antetokounmpo is putting up 30.1 points, 12.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 0.8 blocks this season. Lillard, on the other hand, averages 27.3 points, 6.7 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 0.8 steals. While these two talismans are in a league of their own, the rest of the team is playing catch-up.

Khris Middleton, who has been on the injury report since the beginning of the season, will remain indefinitely out. The 3x All-Star dealt with ankle problems during the 2023-24 season, leading him to undergo arthroscopic surgeries over the summer. This marked the third consecutive offseason where he needed a procedure, following a torn wrist ligament repair in 2022 and knee soreness relief in 2023. It seems like every summer brings a new challenge for him.

Due to a hip injury, Andre Jackson Jr. is questionable for Sunday’s game. While the issue isn’t serious, the team might let him rest. If he sits out, AJ Green could step in. They have also categorized Gary Trent Jr. as questionable. Trent sat out Milwaukee’s previous game with a back issue, and he might miss Sunday’s game too. It’s unclear whether he’s improving or not. Ryan Rollins will likely play despite a left shoulder injury. So far this season, the 22-year-old guard has averaged 2.4 points in 4.9 minutes over seven games.

The Bucks have had a tough start to the 2024 season, and it doesn’t look like they’ll find momentum against the Celtics. They’re averaging just 81.3 points per game, a sharp contrast to Boston’s 96.8. Despite the struggles, Milwaukee head coach, Doc Rivers, is still optimistic the team can make the playoffs. However, for that to happen, they need to make adjustments, SOON.

The Boston Celtics’ starting five has been dominant, both on offense and defense, leaving the Bucks with a steep challenge ahead.