Milwaukee Bucks vs Boston Celtics predicted starting lineups and depth chart for Dec. 6 | 2024-25 NBA season

The Milwaukee Bucks take another crack at the Boston Celtics on Friday. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co., 0-2 against the defending champs in the season series, hope to break through in their third meeting. The Bucks could get a boost with the potential return of Khris Middleton, who hasn’t played a game this season.

The Celtics hope to remain unbeaten in a four-game homestand when they host the Bucks. Boston, though, is injury-hampered and might miss a few key players in the marquee matchup. The good news is Jrue Holiday is no longer on the injury report.

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Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics Injury Report

Milwaukee Bucks injury report

Giannis Antetokounmpo (patella) and Taurean Prince (patella) are probable to play. Khris Middleton has also been upgraded to the same status as his two teammates after recovering from offseason bilateral ankle surgery. ESPN's Bobby Marks reported that he would play.

MarJon Beauchamp is questionable due to neck spasms.

Boston Celtics injury report

Al Horford (big toe), Kristaps Porzingis (ankle injury management) and Jayson Tatum (patella) are ruled questionable.

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Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics Starting Lineups and Depth Chart

Milwaukee Bucks starting lineup and depth chart

Starters	2nd	3rd
Damian Lillard	Delon Wright
Andre Jackson Jr.	A.J. Green	Pat Connaughton
Khris Middleton	Taurean Prince	Chris Livingston
Giannis Antetokounmpo	Bobby Portis	Tyler Smith
Brook Lopez	Liam Robbins

Boston Celtics starting lineup and depth chart

Starters	2nd	3rd
Derrick White	Payton Pritchard
Jrue Holiday	Baylor Scheierman
Jaylen Brown	Sam Hauser
Xavier Tillman	Jordan Walsh	Drew Peterson
Al Horford	Luke Kornet	Neemias Queta

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Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics Key Matchups

Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. whoever Joe Mazzula will play power forward for the Celtics

The Celtics’ injury woes have left them thin in the frontline. Normally, Al Horford gets that unenviable task of slowing down Giannis Antetokounmpo. Jayson Tatum also has some stretches where he is asked to guard "The Greek Freak." If both are out, who will shadow the two-time MVP will be interesting.

Xavier Tillman, although undersized, could get that job. Neemias Queta could also get his chance. Antetokounmpo is playing at an MVP level, and if the Celtics can’t contain him, the Bucks could get their first win in the season series.

Jrue Holiday vs. Damian Lillard

The Bucks traded Jrue Holiday last season to get Damian Lillard. Holiday couldn’t be more fortunate as the Celtics won the championship while the Bucks went down in the first round of the playoffs.

Holiday and Lillard go head-to-head again on Friday. Boston’s defensive ace is coming off an injury, but he is expected to chase "Dame Time" around with backcourt partner Derrick White.

If Antetokounmpo gets going because of Boston’s thin frontline, keeping the lid on Lillard will be crucial. Holiday gets the first crack at containing the sharpshooting guard.

Jaylen Brown vs. Andre Jackson Jr.

If Tatum, Porzingis and Horford are out, the Celtics’ primary option on offense will be Jaylen Brown. When the defending champs need a bucket, they will likely go to the reigning NBA Finals MVP.

Andre Jackson Jr., who has carved a spot in the rotation because of his defense, hopes to slow down the All-Star guard.