Giannis vs. Kyrie
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kyrie Irving won’t exactly face-off against each other while they’re on the floor in this series, but in some ways many will view this series as a measurement of stars on both the Celtics and Bucks. Giannis will likely finish in the top 2 of NBA MVP voting this season, and Kyrie has a history of coming up big when it matters most in the playoffs (see the 2016 NBA Finals).
Both will be under the big spotlight as this is the series that many believe will decide the Eastern Conference. No matter who emerges in this series, either team will likely be considered the favorite over both the Philadelphia 76ers or Toronto Raptors in the Conference Finals. To say that this is a big series would be a series understatement.
In some ways, it’s just as big as the Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors that is set to take place at the same time out West. This series could come down to whichever team manages to guard the other team’s star player more effectively.
Which leads you to wonder, how will the Celtics attack Giannis? Will they put Al Horford on him? Or perhaps a more athletic defender such as Jaylen Brown or Marcus Smart (when get gets healthy)? It could come down to that specific matchup.