The Milwaukee Bucks will be looking to regain their energy and secure a win when they visit the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night.
The Bucks are coming off a tough 125-96 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, one of the NBA’s top teams, which extended their losing streak to four games. Milwaukee’s coach, Doc Rivers, cited fatigue as a factor, with the team fielding a makeshift lineup in the defeat.
Meanwhile, the Hornets are also struggling, on a five-game losing streak, with just two games remaining in their nine-game homestand. They have only managed one win during this stretch.
Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo had his impressive streak of five consecutive games with 30 or more points halted as he sat out Monday’s game due to right patella tendinopathy. Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez also missed the game due to injuries, while Bobby Portis Jr. was absent for personal reasons. Antetokounmpo and Lillard are listed as questionable for Wednesday, while Lopez and Portis are expected to play.
The Bucks’ defense has been a concern, especially as they allowed 38 or more points in each of the first three quarters against the Thunder. On the bright side for Charlotte, forward Miles Bridges achieved his first career triple-double with 24 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds in their recent 124-114 loss to the Washington Wizards.
Charlotte needs to make better use of center Mark Williams, who struggled in the first half against the Wizards but finished with 23 points and 14 rebounds. Injuries continue to plague the Hornets, with Josh Okogie (hamstring) and LaMelo Ball (ankle) among those missing games.
The Bucks’ previous trip to Charlotte this season resulted in a narrow 115-114 loss on November 16. However, they managed to win the rematch at home 125-119 despite a 50-point performance from Ball. Antetokounmpo and Lillard were instrumental in that victory, scoring 32 and 31 points, respectively.
