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Celtics vs Bucks action returns Sunday night as Boston visits Milwaukee for the second of three meetings between the Eastern Conference teams. The Celtics enter the matchup with a 7-2 record, while the Bucks sit at 1-8 after losing five straight games.
The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET at Fiserv Forum. Boston won the first meeting, 109-102, on November 4, but Milwaukee made the contest uncomfortable after falling behind by 21 points at halftime. The Bucks rallied to take a fourth-quarter lead before the Celtics held on for the victory.
Celtics vs Bucks Rematch Brings Critical Test
Boston has won its last four games against Milwaukee and remains second in the Eastern Conference, behind the 8-2 Philadelphia 76ers. The Celtics are also coming off an emphatic 119-80 victory over Charlotte, with Jayson Tatum leading the way with 34 points, nine assists and eight rebounds.
Milwaukee, meanwhile, is searching for stability under new head coach Taylor Jenkins. The Bucks have reshaped their roster since last season, including the blockbuster trade that sent Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to Miami. Milwaukee received Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kasparas Jakucionis in that deal.
The Bucks also added Caris LeVert, Bogoljub Markovic and first-round selections Brayden Burries and Nate Ament. The overhauled roster has shown flashes of promise, but defensive inconsistency has contributed to the team’s slow start.
Explosive Scoring Battle Could Decide the Game
Tyler Herro is the primary offensive threat for Milwaukee. In his first season with the Bucks, he is averaging 22.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game while shooting 41.1 percent from three-point range. Herro scored 25 points in the previous meeting and helped spark Milwaukee’s second-half comeback.
Jordan Walsh could receive the starting assignment against Herro, although Boston coach Joe Mazzulla has frequently adjusted his lineup. The Celtics have rotated players such as Walsh, Hugo Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman and Neemias Queta into starting roles during the opening stretch of the season.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. is another Milwaukee player Boston must track closely. Jaquez is averaging 16.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shooting 44.7 percent from beyond the arc. He scored 18 points in the first matchup and presents a difficult challenge for Paul George and Boston’s wing defenders.
Injury Updates and Probable Starting Lineups
Mitchell Robinson was added to Boston’s injury report as questionable because of an illness. Gary Trent Jr. is listed as questionable for Milwaukee with the same issue. Neither team is playing on consecutive days, so rest-related absences are not expected.
Devin Carter is back from the injury list after scoring 16 points in 17 minutes for the Maine Celtics on Friday. His availability could give Boston another athletic option in the backcourt, although he may continue moving between the NBA roster and the G League.
- Boston projected starters: Derrick White, Jordan Walsh, Paul George, Jayson Tatum and Neemias Queta.
- Milwaukee projected starters: Brayden Burries, Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kyle Kuzma and Myles Turner.
- Boston questionable: Mitchell Robinson, illness.
- Milwaukee questionable: Gary Trent Jr., illness.
Defense and Rebounding Are the Winning Formula
Defense remains Boston’s clearest advantage. The Celtics rank fourth in the NBA with a defensive rating of 106.4, while Milwaukee ranks 27th at 118.6. Boston will need disciplined perimeter defense because the Bucks lead the league in three-point attempts, averaging 44.1 per game.
Rebounding is another major concern. Milwaukee ranks third in the league with 49.0 rebounds per game and averages 18.2 second-chance points. Boston collects 43.9 rebounds per game, ranking 14th, so the Celtics must match the Bucks’ physical effort around the basket.
The Celtics also cannot afford to overlook Milwaukee while looking ahead to Tuesday’s game against Philadelphia. Boston will soon face a demanding road schedule, making Sunday’s matchup an important opportunity to build momentum.
What to Watch in Milwaukee
Boston is 1-2 on the road, while Milwaukee’s only victory came at home against Indiana. Historically, the Celtics are 46-73 in games played in Milwaukee, adding another layer of difficulty to the matchup.
The Celtics’ focus will be tested by travel, a hostile crowd and a Bucks team desperate to end its losing streak. If Boston defends the perimeter, controls the glass and receives another strong performance from Tatum, it should have a favorable chance to secure its eighth win.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Celtics vs Bucks game?
The game is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET.
Where will the Celtics vs Bucks matchup be played?
The game will take place at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.
What was the result of the first meeting?
Boston defeated Milwaukee 109-102 on November 4.
Which players are questionable?
Mitchell Robinson is questionable for Boston because of an illness, while Gary Trent Jr. is questionable for Milwaukee with an illness.
What is Boston’s biggest advantage?
Boston’s defensive efficiency is a major advantage. The Celtics rank fourth defensively, while the Bucks rank 27th.
