Game 3 Preview: Celtics' Tatum And Brown Play, Holiday Out

Omar Yusuf

4 min read

Post on May 16, 2025

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The Return of Tatum and Brown: A Game Changer for the Celtics?

The absence of Tatum and Brown in Game 2 was undeniably felt by the Celtics. Their return in Game 3 is arguably a game-changer, potentially altering the team's offensive and defensive strategies significantly.

• Offensive Prowess: Tatum and Brown are prolific scorers, capable of taking over games individually. Their ability to create their own shots and seamlessly integrate into the Celtics' offensive flow will be crucial. Last season, Tatum averaged 30.1 PPG and Brown 26.6 PPG in the playoffs. Their presence will alleviate the scoring burden on other players and create more diverse offensive opportunities.

• Defensive Impact: Beyond their scoring, Tatum and Brown are impactful defenders. Their length and athleticism can disrupt the Bucks' offensive rhythm, particularly against Giannis Antetokounmpo. Their return will likely improve the Celtics' overall defensive intensity and rebounding.

• Potential Concerns: While their return is a massive boost, there's a slight chance of rust or lingering injury concerns. It will be essential to monitor their minutes and overall performance throughout the game. Their ability to maintain peak performance over a potentially grueling series is something to watch.

Jrue Holiday's Absence: A Significant Blow to the Milwaukee Bucks?

Jrue Holiday's absence is a substantial blow to the Milwaukee Bucks. His defensive tenacity and offensive playmaking are integral to their success.

• Defensive Void: Holiday's defensive presence is irreplaceable. He’s an elite perimeter defender who often guards the opponent's best player. His absence creates a void that the Bucks will struggle to fill completely. This means the Bucks' defensive scheme might need significant adjustments to compensate.

• Offensive Leadership: Holiday is not just a defensive stopper; he's a crucial offensive playmaker, consistently creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His absence puts more pressure on players like Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo to create offense. Holiday averages 17.8 PPG and 6.4 APG in the playoffs, numbers that will be missed.

• Team Chemistry: Holiday is a key leader for the Bucks. His absence impacts not only the game plan but also the overall team dynamic and leadership structure on the court.

Key Matchups to Watch in Game 3

Game 3 will feature several key matchups that could decide the game's outcome.

• Jayson Tatum vs. Jrue Holiday's Replacement (likely Khris Middleton or Wesley Matthews): This matchup will be crucial. Tatum’s offensive firepower against the Bucks' adjusted defensive strategy will be a critical factor. Middleton, known for his strong defense, will be under enormous pressure to contain Tatum.

• Jaylen Brown vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo (potentially with defensive help): While this matchup is a clash of styles, the Bucks' focus on containing Giannis might create opportunities for Brown. Brown's ability to score effectively while also helping defend Giannis will be vital to the Celtics’ strategy.

• The Celtics' overall defensive scheme vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo: With Holiday absent, the Bucks’ offensive reliance on Giannis increases. The Celtics’ ability to effectively contain Giannis, using various defensive strategies, will determine a significant portion of the game's outcome.

Predictions and Game 3 Outlook

Considering the return of Tatum and Brown, coupled with Holiday's absence, the Celtics hold a slight edge going into Game 3. The Bucks will undoubtedly adjust their strategy, but the Celtics’ offensive firepower could prove too much to handle.

• Score Prediction: Celtics 115 - Bucks 108

• Potential Scenarios: A Celtics victory hinges on Tatum and Brown performing at a high level and the team effectively defending Giannis. A Bucks win would likely require exceptional performances from Middleton and Antetokounmpo, while simultaneously mitigating the Celtics' offensive firepower.

• Home-Court Advantage: The home-court advantage for the Celtics in Game 3 could play a significant role in their performance.

Game 3 Preview Recap and Call to Action

Game 3 promises a thrilling contest. The return of Tatum and Brown is a major boost for the Celtics, while Holiday's absence presents a significant challenge for the Bucks. Key matchups will dictate the flow of the game, and the home-court advantage will also be a significant factor. We predict a Celtics victory, but this remains a highly competitive series.

Share your predictions for Game 3 using #NBAPlayoffs #Celtics #Bucks! Stay tuned for more Game 3 analysis and don't miss our post-game coverage of this crucial Game 3 matchup.