Following an OT win last night, the Bucks back up tonight against one of the NBA’s top teams in the Los Angeles Lakers. This will be the teams’ first time matching up this season, but the Bucks had the wood over LA last year, going 2-0.
Where We’re At
As I mentioned, the Bucks secured a win in overtime last night against the Hornets, whom they had lost to just two nights prior on the road. Last night was a tale of two halves, with the second half being much better than the first. Before that game, Milwaukee beat
the Mavericks on the road behind a fourth-quarter comeback. In short, the Bucks have been like Jekyll and Hyde; once fans get excited, they seem to have a let-down game. Tonight against LA, there will be nowhere to hide. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves have been among the NBA’s most dangerous duos, and will punish them for any little mistake they make on defence. Any breakdown in pick-and-roll coverage, or hand in the cookie jar, will be capitalised on. On the other hand, a win tonight will put fans at ease and have them back on board.
The Lakers have also been splitting games over the last week, beginning their road trip with a loss to the Trae Young-less Hawks, beating the Hornets by 10, losing big to the Thunder, and taking down the lowly Pelicans last night. Of course, LA is led by Luka Doncic, or “skinny Luka,” as he has been labeled following an offseason body transformation. Doncic seems to be on something of a revenge tour after recently fired Mavs GM Nico Harrison cast him away because Harrison didn’t believe he was durable enough to build around. Doncic is posting ridiculous averages of 34.9 PPG, 8.9 APG, and 9.1 RPG on 47.6% shooting from the floor. Shutting him down should be easy enough!
Injury Report
Both teams played last night; thus, updates will be available at midday with statuses for tonight’s game. With that said, we already know that Kevin Porter Jr. and Taurean Prince will be out for the Bucks. For the Lakers, we know that LeBron James and Gabe Vincent will miss.
Player To Watch
I’m going with Gary Harris, who gave the Bucks a nice boost last night. The other Gary, of the Trent Jr. variety, has been poor this season. I haven’t loved Trent’s play on either end, especially on defence, where it looked last night like he was uninterested as he halfheartedly gambled for steal after steal, leaving his teammates in a vulnerable position. On the other hand, Harris seems a much steadier ship on D, but can he make enough threes to be respected on O and not clog things up?
How To Watch
FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin and NBA TV, or watch over the air on CBS 58.
