Morning sports update: Bucks will rest top players in finale vs. Celtics
The Bruins play their first playoff game of 2017 Wednesday night, while the Celtics can clinch the top seed in the East with a win or a Cavaliers loss.
Celtics, vying for East’s No. 1 seed, to face short-handed Bucks: Four Milwaukee Bucks players — Matthew Dellavedova, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Tony Snell — did not travel to Boston for Wednesday’s regular-season finale against the Celtics. (ESPN)
Bruins put Charlie McAvoy on top defense pairing in practice: Shiny as a new penny, his full asset value yet unknown, Charlie McAvoy was promoted to the Bruins’ top defensive pairing Tuesday, only one day after signing his first NHL contract, and only one day prior to Boston taking on Ottawa in Game 1 of the postseason. (Boston Globe)
Five keys to a successful Bruins playoff run: For the first time in three seasons, playoff hockey is coming to Boston. The Senators are not much of a consolation prize, as the Bruins dropped all four games against their Atlantic Division rivals. (Boston.com)
Buck Showwalter appears to take jab at Red Sox over flu: Speaking prior to Tuesday’s game at Fenway Park, Orioles manager Buck Showalter appeared to take a jab at the Red Sox noting the Orioles too have been battling the flu, but they just haven’t made it as public as the Red Sox. (WEEI)
Dustin Pedroia drives in 4 runs for Red Sox in 8-1 win over Orioles: After a stint on the disabled list before even throwing a pitch this season, Drew Pomeranz made his season debut a memorable one. (Boston.com)
Patriots’ linebacking revolves around Dont’a Hightower: Dont’a Hightower’s fourth-quarter strip sack of Matt Ryan is often cited as the play that turned the tide in the Patriots’ favor in Super Bowl LI. (Boston Globe)
Clay Buchholz hurts arm; Phillies get battered: Before he exited Citizens Bank Park with a strained right forearm and a murky prognosis Tuesday night, Clay Buchholz stood powerless on the mound. He pitched for 21 minutes in the first inning of a 14-4 Phillies loss and fooled no one. The Mets mounted a three-run lead three batters into the game. Buchholz recorded his first out on his 22nd pitch. (Philly.com)
