Bucks get a big test as they return to regular season play against the Cavs
After securing their first NBA Cup title in franchise history, the Milwaukee Bucks will return to the reality of the regular season with their third face off against the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers. Each of their previous matchups came within two points or less, with Donovan Mitchell hitting a game-winning shot on November 2nd (114-113) in the first meeting. The Giannis-less Bucks came within two points on the road two days later, with Damian Lillard going for 36 points and Bobby Portis grabbing 18 rebounds in a 116-114 loss.
Where We’re At
Things couldn’t be much better for the Milwaukee Bucks right now. They just polished off an undefeated run to the NBA Cup title, where Giannis was named Cup MVP, and Damian Lillard along with Antetokounmpo was named to the All-Tournament team. After starting the season with a dreadful 2-8 record and 14th place in the East, they’ve gone 12-3 since November 11. That record has shot them up to the fifth seed, 1.5 games back of the New York Knicks for the third seed. Over this extended run of success, Giannis has been a true MVP candidate, putting up numbers of 33.4 PPG, 10.6 RPG, and 6.7 APG while shooting 61.8% from the field. Giannis has also yet to have a game where he shoots under 50% from the field.
The Cavaliers are still as good as they were when the Bucks saw them back in early November. Despite not being undefeated anymore (including back-to-back losses to the Atlanta Hawks) Cleveland has won six of its last seven games, including a four-point win against the Boston Celtics on December 1. The duo of Mitchell and Darius Garland is putting up a combined 43.6 PPG. Despite missing six games this season, Caris LeVert remains an effective spark plug off the bench for the Cavs, scoring 12.3 PPG in 24.4 MPG.
Injury Report
Not everyone came out of the title run unscathed as Damian Lillard will not play today due to a right calf strain, after initially starting as just a contusion entering this week. Despite that, Giannis Antetokounmpo (right patella tendinopathy) and Khris Middleton (non-Covid illness) are probable. Chris Livingston, Tyler Smith, and AJ Johnson will also not be available as they are out on G League assignments.
The Cavaliers’ Max Strus (my mortal enemy) seems to be getting closer to making his season debut for Cleveland, with him listed as questionable with a right ankle sprain. Yet as one appears to be returning, one player is leaving the lineup as Isaac Okoro will be out with an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder for several weeks. Emoni Bates, JT Thor, and Luke Travers will all be unavailable as they are out on a G League assignment.
Player To Watch
Andre Jackson Jr.’s defensive capabilities were on full display on Tuesday against MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. In the moments when the former UConn Huskie defended the Thunder’s star guard, he shot a putrid 1/6 from the field and had a turnover. This possession, in particular, was a thing of beauty from the second-year wing, as he comes off the screen to help Dame switch back onto Cason Wallace so AJax could get back to his man in SGA.
Watch Andre Jackson Jr. pic.twitter.com/5oH3ORnBLp
— Alex (@AlexHoops_) December 18, 2024
If the Bucks want a chance to take down the Cavs for the first time this season, Jackson must bring a similar effort against the Cavs guards, particularly Donovan Mitchell, who is averaging 23.3 PPG and 4.5 APG while shooting 44.8% from the field and 40.4% from three-point country.
How To Watch
Fan Duel Sports Network Wisconsin and NBA TV at 6:30 PM CST.
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