Bucks face 1-8 record and five-game skid ahead of prime-time Celtics clash

1-8. That is the current season record for the Milwaukee Bucks, a mark that places them at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. The team enters Sunday's matchup with a five-game losing streak, a run that began after a recent setback against Toronto.

The Celtics hold a dominant historical edge in this series. Boston has won seven of the past eight meetings against Milwaukee, including the last four contests. On Wednesday, the Celtics defeated the Bucks 109-102 at TD Garden. Paul George scored 25 points and Derrick White added 24 to secure that victory.

The dynamic in Milwaukee has shifted significantly following recent personnel changes. Tyler Herro, acquired from the Heat in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, is now averaging a team-best 22.3 points per game. Rookie Brayden Burries also emerged as a key performer, recording 21 points and 11 rebounds in Friday's loss to the Raptors.

The Bucks' defense remains a concern. They allow 122.1 points per game, a figure that contrasts sharply with Boston's defensive output of 105.1. Center Myles Turner is struggling to find his rhythm, holding a career-low average of 7.6 points per game. He was held scoreless on 0-of-7 shooting in Friday's contest against the visiting Raptors.

The Celtics are in strong form, boasting a 7-2 record and a 7-3 mark in their last ten games. Jayson Tatum sat out Wednesday's game but posted 34 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds in a 119-80 win over Charlotte on Friday. Boston's offense operates at a 45.2% field goal percentage, while their defense limits opponents to 42.1% shooting.

Sunday's game will air at 8 p.m. on NBC. The Celtics are listed as 13-point favorites, and the over/under is set at 221.0. This will be the last meeting between the two teams until the final game of the season in April. Boston travels to Philadelphia on Tuesday to face the 76ers and Jaylen Brown.