BOSTON, MA (CBS 58) -- The Bucks gave the Eastern Conference leading Boston Celtics a battle Wednesday night, losing 122-119 despite missing some key players from the lineup.

Giannis Antetokounmpo sat out Wednesday's game with a hamstring strain, but Khris Middleton posted another strong performance with 22 points in his second game back from an ankle injury. Damian Lillard led the Bucks with 32, while Bobby Portis added 24 points and 15 rebounds for the Bucks (44-25).

The Celtics led by 21 late in the third quarter, but the Bucks rallied to make it a close game in the final minutes. Portis hit a three pointer to make it a three-point game with less than three minutes to play and followed with a floating jumper to cut Boston's lead to two in the final minute.

The Central Division leading Bucks return home for the next three contests, facing the Nets on Thursday, the Thunder this Sunday, and the Lakers on the 28th. Milwaukee is 27-7 at home this season.