The set-up: The Eastern Conference has been dominated by the Cavs since LBJ returned but the Celtics had hoped that they had closed the gap significantly by signing FA Gordon Hayward and then trading for Kyrie. However, Hayward could now be lost for the season with a fractured ankle in last night's opener at Cleveland. The Celtics fell 102-99 last night in VCleveland but obviously, the more devastating loss occurred when Gordon Hayward sustained what likely was a season-ending injury by fracturing his left tibia and dislocating his ankle. Hayward was injured just over five minutes into the 102-99 loss and the Celtics now begin the task of moving on. "Hopefully, we'll get a full recovery," Boston coach Brad Stevens told reporters. "It's a tough deal. I really feel for him." Up first, is the team's home-opener against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks have reached the playoffs in two of coach Jason Kidd's first three seasons and the roster, led by All-Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, is nearly identical to last campaign's 42-win squad. "We are familiar, but the big thing is, we can't wait," Kidd told reporters. "It's a group that's been together, (but) we just can't rely on one person. Everybody has to be able to be in tune with what they're doing."

Milwaukee: Giannis Antetokounmpo may be just 22 but he has already achieved bona fide star status after averaging 22.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.9 blocked shots and 1.6 steals last season and figures only to get better. Shooting guard Khris Middleton is healthy after being limited to 29 games last season due to a hamstring injury and mixes well with backcourt mate Malcolm Brogdon, who was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2016-17. However, Milwaukee won't have forward Jabari Parker until sometime around the All-Star break as he recovers from his second ACL tear in his left knee since entering the NBA in 2014.

Boston: The loss of Hayward will mean a bigger roles for second-year forward Jaylen Brown and first-round pick Jayson Tatum. Brown had 25 points last night, while Tatum added 14 points and 10 rebounds while palying a hefty 37 minutes in his first NBA game. PG Kyrie Irving contributed 22 points and 10 assists in his return to Cleveland but his Boston debut ended in disappointing fashion as he missed a tying three-point attempt at the buzzer (Cavs fans loved that!).

The pick: Stevens has already proven to be a superior head coach in the NBA and his leadership will be a big plus in coping with the loss of Hayward. However, returning to the court the very next night, after losing Hayward, seems like a lot to ask of any team. The Celtics were just 17-24 ATS at the TD Garden last season and I'm taking any points available. Make Milwaukee an 8* play.