Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics are in search of their first victory of the season when they face the Milwaukee Bucks in the home opener Friday night in Boston, MA.
Event: Boston Celtics (0-1) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (0-0) - Regular season, Game 2.
Date/Time: Friday, November 2, 2012
Location: TD Garden (Capacity: 18,624), Boston, MA.
Broadcast Info: Friday night's home opener will be televised on Comcast SportsNet New England and can be heard on the radio on the WEEI Sports Radio Network (93.7 FM).
Odds: Boston is a 7.5-point favorite over Milwaukee on Friday.
Celtics and Bucks in 2011-12: Boston and Milwaukee met three times last season, with the Celtics winning all of the meetings -- 102-96 at the end of February, 100-91 at the end of March and 87-74 in the regular season finale.
Last Time Out: The Celtics were defeated by the Miami Heat, 120-107, in the season opener down in Miami on Tuesday night. Paul Pierce scored a team-high 23 points, Rajon Rondo had 20 points, 13 assists and seven rebounds and Leandro Barbosa scored 16 all in the fourth quarter. Friday night is Milwaukee's season opener.
Game preview: While a Boston-Milwaukee match-up doesn't carry the same clout that a Celtics-Heat game does, Friday evening's duel between the Celtics and Bucks could prove to be an interesting one. The number one reason is scoring, and between the new-look, offense-happy Celtics and the two headed backcourt monster that is Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings, we might see another game where both teams reach the 100s. Of course, Doc Rivers has stressed the importance of suring up his team's transition defense, and that will be important to stop an athletic team like Milwaukee. The Celtics are still testing out different lineups as well, so don't be surprised to see Rivers doing a lot of tinkering.
Prediction: The loss to the Heat stung the Celtics, and if you know anything about this prideful bunch, you know that they're going to be hungry to right the problems and get that first victory. Final score: Boston 102, Milwaukee 93.
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