Celtics Host Bucks in Potential Playoff Preview

Boston looks to bounce back from recent loss as Milwaukee continues to struggle without star player

Jan. 31, 2026 at 4:31pm

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The Boston Celtics will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday afternoon in a matchup of Eastern Conference contenders. The Celtics, currently third in the East, are coming off a win over the Sacramento Kings, while the Bucks, sitting 12th in the conference, have lost four straight games. Milwaukee will be without star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo due to a calf injury, potentially giving Boston an advantage as the teams jockey for playoff position ahead of the trade deadline.

Why it matters

This game could have significant implications for the Eastern Conference playoff race, with the Celtics looking to solidify their position near the top of the standings and the Bucks hoping to turn things around and climb back into the postseason picture. The absence of Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee's best player, could be a major factor in the outcome.

The details

The Celtics enter the game with a 30-18 record, while the Bucks are struggling at 18-28 and have lost four straight. Boston is coming off a win over the Sacramento Kings, while Milwaukee most recently fell to the Washington Wizards. In addition to Antetokounmpo, the Bucks will also be without Kevin Porter Jr. (oblique) and Taurean Prince (neck). For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum (Achilles) is out.

  • The game is scheduled for Sunday, February 1, 2026.
  • The NBA trade deadline is on February 5, 2026, just a few days after this matchup.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The star forward for the Milwaukee Bucks, who is currently sidelined with a calf injury.

Jayson Tatum

The All-Star forward for the Boston Celtics, who is out with an Achilles injury.

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What they’re saying

“We expect Boston to come out on top in this game so long as the Celtics do not play down to a version of the Bucks without a certain star.”

— Justin Quinn, Author (usatoday.com)

What’s next

The Celtics and Bucks will face off again on February 5, 2026, just a few days after this matchup, in a potential playoff preview.

The takeaway

This game between the Celtics and Bucks is an important one for both teams as they jockey for position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo could give Boston an advantage, but the Celtics will need to avoid playing down to their opponent if they want to come away with a win.