Once trusted to guide the Los Angeles Clippers into the future, Doc Rivers returns to Southern California on Saturday with a chance to match wits against his former team, the Clippers. Rivers’ current team, the Milwaukee Bucks, is on a five-game winning streak and has won eight of their past nine games since January 6.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks are coming off a dominant 125-96 victory over the Miami Heat on Thursday. Damian Lillard led the way with 29 points and 11 assists, narrowly missing out on his fourth career triple-double due to a late scoring change. Giannis Antetokounmpo contributed 25 points and 12 rebounds, extending his streak of consecutive double-doubles to 12 since returning from a four-game absence caused by back spasms and an illness.
The Bucks faced travel issues getting out of New Orleans due to a postponed game against the Pelicans on Wednesday, arriving in Milwaukee just three hours before tipoff against the Heat.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers have had a tumultuous season so far, largely due to injury issues with star player Kawhi Leonard. Despite losing their first four games in their new $2 billion arena, they have turned things around and are 16-4 in Inglewood since.
In their latest home victory, a 110-93 win against the Washington Wizards on Thursday, Leonard, in his sixth game of the season, scored 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds in 24 minutes. The Clippers are being cautious in increasing Leonard’s court time.
James Harden recorded his 79th career triple-double with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists, moving past Wilt Chamberlain into eighth place on the NBA’s all-time list. Norman Powell added 22 points, while Ivica Zubac contributed 11 points and nine rebounds.
The Clippers played without Leonard, Harden, Powell, and Zubac in an overtime loss to the Boston Celtics a day earlier, showing the depth and resilience of their roster.
Key Matchup
The game will feature a clash of contrasting styles, with Milwaukee’s balanced attack and strong defensive presence going up against Los Angeles’ star-studded lineup. The Clippers will look to build on their recent success at home, while the Bucks aim to continue their winning streak.
