Two pivotal games are on the schedule for Monday's NBA Conference semifinals. The series leads are 2-1 for both home teams. The action tonight promises to be more intense with all four teams eager to win.
Celtics Seek to Regain Home Court Advantage Bucks
After Saturday's disappointing 103-101 defeat, the Boston Celtics are now in revenge mode. They couldn't answer Giannis Antetokounmpo who tore them apart for 42 points in Milwaukee to take control of the series.
Jason Tatum did not show up for Boston. He scored ten points, after scoring 21% from the field during Game 3. Boston hopes that Tatum will not have two poor games consecutively and that they can return to TD Garden tied.
The Celtics could have won if a couple of things happened in the final matchup. Marcus Smart was fouled by the Celtics in the final seconds of the contest. It appeared that he was trying to make a three-pointer; however, it was called a common offense.
If he was sent to the line to make three free throws, things would have been different. Boston missed several layups that would have tied the game and sent it into overtime.
Milwaukee has increased their defense in this series. They have allowed the Celtics only 99.7 points per games and held them to just 36.8% of Saturday's shooting. The Bucks have the potential to win the game if they keep putting pressure on Boston's defense, as they did in Game 3.
The Celtics have a different perspective. They are relying on the fact Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday had huge games and still lost by just two points.
Taking control of the series, the Bucks will win Game 4.
Warriors can see the finish line
Tonight in San Francisco, the Golden State Warriors will have a chance at securing their series against Memphis Grizzlies in Game 4. They shot 63% from their field Saturday in their 142-112 rout of Memphis.
Now, the Grizzlies are in a bad spot. The Warriors are leading 2-1 in series and hope to have a commanding series against a team without their top scorer for next contest.
Ja Morant is listed as day to-day due to a sprained right knee sustained in Game 3. It is unlikely that he will be able to play in tonight's match. Despite this, it is almost impossible for the Grizzlies to win in San Francisco without him.
The Grizzlies won 20 out of 25 regular season games without Morant. However, it is difficult to win a playoff game against the league's best offensive team without him. Because he's questionable for tonight, the Warriors are the favorites.
Golden State will win another double-digit win to move up to 3-1 in this series.
