Analysis: No shock in East as Celtics, Bucks vie for lead

The Bucks won their first nine games, but recently they’ve had to deal with Giannis Antetokounmpo’s occasional absences. They’ve won two of three when he’s been out.

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum shoots over Miami's Jimmy Butler.

The top of the Eastern Conference looks about as expected — with Boston and Milwaukee currently neck and neck for the lead.

Those fast starts have been anything but routine, however.