Four days after Boston held off Milwaukee 109-102, the same teams meet again Sunday night at Fiserv Forum with very different early-season stories. The Celtics arrive with a 7-2 record through Friday, chasing another strong start. The Bucks stand at 1-8, but their new era needs nights like this one: a chance for young players to learn against a tough opponent and for Tyler Herro to lead the way.

Herro is the center of Milwaukee’s rebuild after the team moved on from Giannis Antetokounmpo. The quick guard has scored 22.3 points per game while making 41.1 percent of his three-point shots. He can curl around screens, pull up from deep, or stop for a soft midrange jumper. Against Boston’s active guards and wings, Herro will need to make smart choices when defenders crowd him. His 4.6 assists per game show that he can also create open looks for teammates.

Milwaukee has a size advantage it must use. The Bucks grab 47.7 rebounds per game, nearly three more than Boston. Kel’el Ware brings springy energy near the basket, where he can chase missed shots, finish above the rim, and swat away drives. Veteran Myles Turner adds another layer of rim protection with 2.7 blocks per game. A block does more than stop one shot; it can send a team racing the other way. If Ware and Turner control the paint without giving Boston easy second chances, Milwaukee can keep this rematch close.

Still, the Bucks must clean up their offense. They turn the ball over 17 times per game, and Boston is built to punish loose passes. The Celtics collect 8.1 steals per game, led by Paul George’s sharp hands. George has also been a steady outside threat, making 41.3 percent from three. His job alongside Jayson Tatum is like having two tall, skilled problem-solvers on the wing.

Tatum is the biggest challenge. He is averaging 27.9 points and a powerful 8 assists, which means defenses cannot simply crowd him and relax. When help comes, Tatum can find a shooter or cutter. Derrick White keeps the offense organized with 5.1 assists per game, while Boston’s 37.6 percent three-point shooting stretches defenders far from the basket. The Celtics showed their force Friday by defeating Charlotte 119-80, a sign that their defense and ball movement can overwhelm teams when both are clicking.

Boston may monitor Payton Pritchard, who was listed as questionable with an eye issue before Friday’s games. Even so, the Celtics have more early-season balance and fewer mistakes than Milwaukee. The Bucks have the rebounding to make a real push, especially at home, but Boston’s defense, Tatum’s playmaking, and recent win in this matchup point to the Celtics as the likely winner.

Tyler Herro and the Bucks Seek a Response Against Boston