The Milwaukee Bucks will look to continue their winning streak in the NBA Cup with a home matchup against the Charlotte Hornets. The Bucks will aim to get revenge after being defeated (without Giannis)
by the short-handed Hornets on Wednesday night in Charlotte, 111-100.
Where We’re at
Yes, the Bucks didn’t have Giannis Antetokounmpo, but that is no excuse for how they played on Wednesday night. The Hornets were without their two best players, LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, and have a weak roster, which made them even more beatable. So, why did the Bucks lose? Two of the usual reasons: too much fouling—which led to the Hornets attempting plenty of free throws—and poor rebounding. However, the Bucks did a better job at limiting the turnovers and actually took advantage of the Hornets’. The hope that having Giannis in this game should mean Milwaukee wins easily, but Milwaukee has had issues with playing to the level of the opposition, including against bad teams.
Injury Report
The Bucks will not have Taurean Prince (who had surgery on his neck for a herniated disk) and Kevin Porter Jr. (meniscus surgery) remains out. Giannis is listed as probable after getting some rest on Wednesday.
The Hornets will be without Ryan Kalkbrenner (personal reasons), Josh Green (left shoulder surgery), Brandon Miller (left shoulder subluxation), and old foe Grant Williams (right knee surgery). LaMelo Ball is expected to return to the lineup tonight, as he has been upgraded to probable.
Player To Watch
I am the biggest AJ Green fan on the Brew Hoop staff, which is why it pains me to say that Green has looked rough the past week. Green is struggling on the defensive side, similar to his wingmate, Gary Trent Jr., and the fouls are piling up quickly, forcing him to sit on the bench for extended periods. Usually reliable on offense, he has had his struggles on that side of the ball as well. While he shot the ball well against the Mavericks, in the other three games, he has been 4/16 from three. For the Bucks—and more importantly, me—he has to perform better.
How To Watch
FanDuel Sports Wisconsin at 7:00 p.m. CST.
