The Latest on the Health Front for Bucks Star Khris Middleton

The Celtics and Bucks appear on a collision course for the Eastern Conference Finals. One caveat that could get in the way is injuries.

Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

At 55-25, the Celtics have the second-best record in the NBA. Unfortunately for the defending Eastern Conference champions, the one team in front of them is the Milwaukee Bucks.

Boston won the season series 2-1, earning a Christmas victory over the Bucks and, most recently, putting together arguably its best two-way performance this campaign in a 140-99 win in Milwaukee.

But with Giannis Antetokounmpo delivering an MVP-caliber season, Jrue Holiday averaging 19.3 points, 7.4 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game in perhaps his best one as a Buck, and Brook Lopez a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year and drilling 37.4 percent of the 4.7 threes he's hoisting, Milwaukee capitalized on the Celtics playing down to sub .500 competition too often.

While they appear on a collision course for the Eastern Conference Finals, one caveat that could get in the way of the league's top-two teams matching up in the playoffs is injuries.

Boston's constantly been without top rotation players, including members of its starting unit this season. Last year's starting lineup of Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Robert Williams, and Al Horford have only shared the floor in ten games and 81 minutes this campaign.

That's led to that group proving less effective than when two guards are on the court, Derrick White starting in 68/80 games and last year's starting five having a net rating of -12.4, per NBA.com.

But White, who's been the Celtics' third-best player this season, starting, and Williams coming off the bench provides better balance and stabilizes Boston's center rotation.

As for the Bucks, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Khris Middleton underwent an MRI on his right knee on Thursday. The results came back clean, and the expectation is Milwaukee's star forward rehabs for the next week or so in hopes of being ready for the playoffs, which start on Apr. 15.

Further Reading

[Film Room] What the Celtics Did to Slow Down Giannis Antetokounmpo in Blowout vs. Bucks

Jaylen Brown Opens Up About His Relationship with Marcus Smart

Jaylen Brown Shares What Winning the Red Auerbach Award Means to Him: 'I've Put My Everything Into This Team, I've Put My Everything Into This City'

Celtics Discuss Malcolm Brogdon's Sixth Man of the Year Candidacy

Joe Mazzulla Reacts to the Celtics Clinching the Two Seed in the East

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Win vs. Raptors: Boston's Defense Propels Hosts to Victory in Low-Scoring Affair

Jaylen Brown on His Relationship with Jayson Tatum: 'We’re a Part of Each Other’s Destiny'

The Celtics are Proud of Their Growth, Including Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown's Maturation: 'I think We're a Better Team'