The Milwaukee Bucks take on the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on Wednesday night in the 2020-21 season opener for both clubs.

The Bucks (0-0) were the odds-on favorite to come out of the Eastern Conference as the postseason kicked off in Orlando last summer following a stellar regular season, but they were surprisingly ousted by the Heat in the semifinal round in five games. Milwaukee then made a change at point guard this offseason, acquiring Jrue Holiday from the Pelicans as part of a deal that sent Eric Bledsoe to New Orleans. The Bucks could well get better all-around production from their new arrival and take their quest for a championship to the next level in the process. However, reigning MVP and Defensive Player of the Year winner Giannis Antetokounmpo will naturally continue to be the focal point of the team, fresh off signing a five-year, $228.2 million supermax extension on Dec. 15.

The Bucks will list D.J. Augustin (calf) as doubtful for Wednesday's game.

The Celtics (0-0) had their fair share of playoff heartbreak at the hands of the Heat as well just three short months ago, as Miami followed up its upset of the Bucks by booting Boston in the conference finals. Coach Brad Stevens' squad thus begins the new season with a chip on its collective shoulder as well, but they'll begin their quest notably short-handed. Kemba Walker, who experienced lingering left knee soreness last season and postseason, reportedly won't be ready to play until sometime in January at the earliest. The Celtics did ink valuable veteran Jeff Teague this offseason, a signing that should prove particularly valuable early while Walker is out for the first few weeks at minimum. On the brighter side, the young nucleus of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart are all coming off career-best campaigns and could be poised for even more fruitful performances during the coming season.

In addition to Walker, the Celtics will also be without Romeo Langford (wrist) for Wednesday's game. Tacko Fall (eye) will likely be listed as no better than questionable.

The Bucks won the three-game 2019-20 season series against the Celtics by a 2-1 margin.