The Bucks will face the Cavaliers in an Eastern Conference matchup on Wednesday. The Bucks have won two games in a row. The Cavaliers have won four consecutive games. The Bucks defeated the Cavs twice in November.
Latest news on Darius Garland and Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Cavaliers, who are only two games back of Milwaukee in the standings, must exact retaliation on their Central Division rival. Both previous meetings between these teams have been won by the Bucks, adding fuel to this Wednesday’s matchup. Will it be easier for the Cavaliers to defeat the mighty Milwaukee Bucks at home this time?
In 30 minutes against the Jazz on Monday, Darius Garland had 17 points (7-11 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 1-1 FT), one rebound, eight assists, and one steal.
Garland has been a rock this season, scoring at least 12 points in 21 straight games and averaging 17.2 points, 7.9 assists, 3.4 boards, 1.7 steals, and 1.7 threes with new backcourt partner Donovan Mitchell.
With 22 wins and eight losses, the Bucks have the best record in the league. Only Cleveland has a higher adjusted defensive rating, and it allows the fewest effective field goals. The Bucks, led by MVP candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo, appear to be Finals contenders once again (31.0 PPG, 11.1 RPG, and 5.2 APG).
Giannis Antetokounmpo finished the game against New Orleans with 42 points (12-17 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 17-22 FT), 10 rebounds, one assist, and one block in 34 minutes.
For the first time this month, Antetokounmpo surpassed the 40-point mark, and he looked absolutely dominant on both ends of the court. His overall statistics continue to show him to be one of the most dominant players in the NBA. For the fifth consecutive season, he’s averaging at least 11 rebounds and five assists per game, as well as a career-high 31.0 points per game.
Khris Middleton (knee) is questionable for the Cavaliers game on Wednesday.
Due to right knee pain, Middleton is expected to miss his third game in a row. Due to various injuries, he has only appeared in seven games for the Bucks this season, providing fantasy owners with little production thus far. The team’s official decision on his status is expected on Wednesday, but things aren’t looking for good right now. If he is unable to play, rookie MarJon Beauchamp may fill in.
