The Milwaukee Bucks’ star trio gets another chance to reacquaint itself in a matchup against the visiting Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night. The Bucks (17-15) are coming off a wild game against the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday. They went on a 20-0 run in the fourth quarter to rally back into contention but fell short in a 113-110 loss.
Bucks’ Key Players:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: Leads the NBA in scoring at 32.4 points per game and also leads the Bucks with 11.7 rebounds.
- Damian Lillard: Dishes out 7.6 assists per game.
- Khris Middleton: Returning to form and adding depth to the team.
It was a rare second consecutive game with all three stars available to play. Antetokounmpo’s 27 points led the way, but the group didn’t perform as expected, according to Milwaukee head coach Doc Rivers. Rivers added that he’s more concerned with his own team’s execution than the opponent’s challenges.
Portland Trail Blazers:
- The Trail Blazers (11-22) are coming off a 114-106 road loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday and are now 2-4 since Dec. 21. However, head coach Chauncey Billups said he saw signs of improvement from his young team.
- Anfernee Simons: Led Portland with 23 points.
- Deni Avdija: Added 19 points and 10 rebounds.
- Shaedon Sharpe: Scored 19 points and leads Portland with 17.9 points per game, closely followed by Simons’ 17.7.
Portland was down by 15 points in the fourth quarter before rallying to within one possession before Los Angeles pulled away. Deandre Ayton has averaged 10.0 rebounds per game.
Injury Report:
- Milwaukee Bucks: AJ Green (back) was absent on Thursday.
- Portland Trail Blazers: Missing Jerami Grant (face) and Matisse Thybulle (ankle) against the Lakers.
When Milwaukee has found success, it typically includes a mix of Antetokounmpo’s dominance down low and strong 3-point shooting. The Bucks currently sit third in the NBA in 3-point shooting at 38.5 percent.
This series was highly publicized a year ago with Lillard playing for the Bucks against his former team. Both games delivered on entertainment value. Milwaukee had to overcome a 26-point deficit to beat Portland on their home floor last November. In Lillard’s return to Portland, with all the tributes and ovations, his former team came out on top in a 119-116 thriller. Before that loss, Milwaukee had won nine of the previous 10 matchups in the inter-conference series.
