The Milwaukee Bucks are set to face the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night, and it will be just the sixth time this season that stars Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Damian Lillard play together. The Bucks have a 4-1 record when these three are on the court together, including a recent 120-112 win over the Indiana Pacers.
The Nets, on the other hand, are struggling, having lost three straight games and 11 of their last 14. Their most recent loss was a 130-113 defeat to the Toronto Raptors, who snapped an 11-game losing streak.
Giannis Antetokounmpo returned from a four-game absence to score 30 points and grab 12 rebounds in the win over Indiana. Brook Lopez added 16 points, and Bobby Portis Jr. contributed 14 points and 15 rebounds. Gary Trent Jr. capped off the Pacers’ win with a pair of 3-pointers in the final minutes.
For the Nets, D’Angelo Russell scored 22 points in his first game back with the team since being acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers on December 29. Jordi Fernandez, the Nets’ coach, was pleased with Russell’s performance, as he shot 9 of 13 from the field and added eight assists in 26 minutes off the bench.
The game on Thursday will be the finale of the season series between the Nets and Bucks. Milwaukee has lost two of the first three meetings, including a 111-105 loss on December 26, where Cam Johnson scored 29 points to lead the Nets.
Key Points to Watch
- Star Power: The performance of Antetokounmpo, Middleton, and Lillard will be crucial for the Bucks.
- Turnovers: The Nets have committed 46 turnovers in their two meetings with the Bucks this season, leading to 55 Thunder points.
- Injuries: The Nets are dealing with several injuries, including Noah Clowney, who sustained a lower back injury in the game against Toronto and did not return.
- Russell’s Return: D’Angelo Russell’s performance will be key for the Nets as he makes his return to Brooklyn.
Predictions
The Bucks are favored by 14 points, and the over/under is set at 218.5 points. Milwaukee’s strong home record and the return of their star players give them the edge, but the Nets will look to bounce back from their recent struggles.
It will be interesting to see how the Bucks manage their star trio and whether the Nets can overcome their injury woes and recent poor form.
