Losers of four out of five, the capitulating Milwaukee Bucks take on the Phoenix Suns tonight at Fiserv Forum in the first of two matchups between the sides this season. It seems like just yesterday the Bucks and Suns were fighting it out on the world’s biggest stage in the NBA finals, destined to meet again in a budding rivalry that would last years. How times have changed. The Bucks are now very much on the outside looking in on the play-in, while the Suns—having missed the playoffs last year and been
swept in the first round the year before—are sitting pretty in the Western Conference’s seventh spot (37-27), four-and-a-half games ahead of the eighth-placed Golden State Warriors.
Where We’re At
There hasn’t been much to smile at recently as far as the Bucks go. Giannis has returned to action, but to no real avail. Jericho Sims has played the best basketball of his career, though this has come as Myles Turner has arguably played his worst. Ousmane Dieng has finally been given a shot as a starter. Moments, here and there. Otherwise, Milwaukee has been fraught with disappointment, from poor play to obscure lineups to injuries. Perhaps Taurean Prince’s impending return can help and the Bucks can make one last push to pass the Charlotte Hornets—who are somehow still only four games ahead—for the 10th seed?
Winners of four of their past five, the Suns have been somewhat of a surprise team this season. Much of this has come on the back of their top-ten defence (112.5 defensive rating on the season), which generates steals (9.9 SPG, 2nd best in the league), limits opponent fast-break points (13.9 PPG, 2nd), and restricts points in the paint (48.6 PPG, 10th). Offensively, they’ve found success following a similar model to the Boston Celtics—volume three-point shooting (14.7 3PM, 4th) while crashing the offensive glass (13.2 ORPG, 4th). On a player level, franchise icon Devin Booker continues to lead the way, but has been well-supported by Dillon Brooks, Collin Gillespie, and old friend Grayson Allen, all of whom are having career years. Over the last five games, Phoenix has also found real value from bigs Oso Ighodaro (9.2 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.2 BPG) and Khaman Maluach (3.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 2.3 BPG in just 17.4 MPG). Newly-acquired Hayward Highsmith has also impressed as a “perfect connector for the Phoenix Suns rotation.”
Injury Report
For the Bucks, Kevin Porter Jr. (Right Knee; Synovitis) is out, while Taurean Prince (neck) is questionable.
For the Suns, Dillon Brooks (Left Hand; Fracture) and Mark Williams (Left Foot Third Metatarsal; Stress Reaction) are out, while Grayson Allen (Right Knee; Injury Management) and Jordan Goodwin (Left Calf; Strain) are questionable.
Player to Watch
Assuming he starts again, it’ll be worth monitoring how Ousmane Dieng continues to grow into a role playing off Giannis Antetokounmpo. He’s shown flashes of excellence in his long-range shooting, playmaking, rebounding, and defending, but can he become more consistent in those areas? And, after struggling with the physicality and pressure the Orlando Magic put on him—not to mention the increased responsibility, especially as a ball-handler—can he bounce back against a similarly physical Suns team?
How To Watch
Tune in at 7:00 p.m. CDT on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin.
