Two Compelling Reasons Why the Celtics Are Favored Over the Bucks in the Eastern Conference Post Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday Trades

The NBA’s Eastern Conference landscape has seen a substantial shift recently, with Damian Lillard joining the Milwaukee Bucks and Jrue Holiday departing for Portland, subsequently traded to the Boston Celtics. These two Eastern powerhouses have undergone significant transformations for the 2023-24 season, making them the teams to watch in the East. Here are two key factors explaining why the Celtics are favorites to emerge from the Conference.

1. Backcourt Defense:

Acquiring Damian Lillard significantly bolsters the Bucks’ offensive firepower, forming a formidable duo with Giannis Antetokounmpo. However, the loss of Jrue Holiday, one of the league’s premier defensive guards, benefits the Boston Celtics.

The Celtics now possess a distinct advantage in backcourt defense, turning it into a major strength. Pairing Jrue Holiday with Jaylen Brown, while not matching Holiday’s defensive prowess, still creates a capable defensive tandem. Adding Derrick White coming off the bench forms a trio capable of keeping even the best backcourts in check.

In contrast, the Bucks, while thrilled with Lillard’s arrival, will face defensive challenges. Lillard’s defensive abilities have not been a highlight during his tenure with the Trail Blazers. Replacing Holiday with Lillard creates a defensive gap, particularly considering Lillard’s potential starting partner, Malik Beasley, isn’t known for his defensive prowess either. The Celtics can exploit this defensive mismatch in the backcourt.

2. Recent History:

While it may be a bit of a stretch, recent matchups offer an intriguing perspective. Given the likelihood of a Conference Finals showdown, the Celtics have had the upper hand in their recent encounters.

Recalling their 2022 Conference Semifinal series, where the Bucks led 3-2, the Celtics emerged victorious, winning four out of five games. They rallied to win the series 4-3 and secured a 2-1 victory in their three-game season series last year, including a dominant 140-99 win with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combining for 70 points.

Heading into the 2023-24 season, the Celtics and Bucks appear evenly matched. However, the Celtics hold the recent edge in their matchups, suggesting they can secure a second Eastern Conference title in three years, especially considering the aforementioned factors.