The Milwaukee Bucks have put a slow start behind them and are playing some of their best basketball of the season.
Bucks on a Roll
Milwaukee Bucks
- Recent Performance: The Bucks have turned things around dramatically, winning seven of their last eight games and standing seven games above .500, their best record this season.
- Momentum: They are embarking on a six-game road trip after an impressive four-game winning streak at home.
- Key Players: Giannis Antetokounmpo, showcasing his all-around excellence, scored 34 points and grabbed 15 rebounds in a 123-109 victory over the shorthanded Philadelphia 76ers. Damian Lillard made his mark by scoring 16 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter alone in the same game, becoming the 38th player in NBA history to surpass 22,000 points.
Pelicans Soaring High
New Orleans Pelicans
- Recent Performance: The Pelicans are riding the wave of a four-game winning streak and have won seven of their last 10 games.
- Historic Comeback: They staged the largest comeback in franchise history on their way to a 123-119 overtime win over the Utah Jazz. Trailing by as many as 25 points and 20 at halftime, they allowed just 50 points for the rest of the game.
- Key Players: CJ McCollum, fresh off a scintillating 45-point performance against Utah, including 31 points after halftime and six in overtime. McCollum’s heroics have breathed new life into the Pelicans’ season.
Head-to-Head and Key Matchups
Wednesday’s game sees Lillard facing his former teammate, CJ McCollum, with whom he shared the court for 8 1/2 seasons in Portland. This adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already captivating contest.
Momentum vs. Resilience
The Bucks, known for their dominance and high-scoring prowess, face the Pelicans’ resilience and ability to rally from deficits. Key matchups to watch include:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Brandon Ingram: Ingram will need to bring his A-game to counter Giannis’ aggressive play.
- Damian Lillard vs. CJ McCollum: All eyes will be on this dynamic duo, who know each other’s tricks and tendencies.
