Bucks need this one bad against a LaMelo-less Hornets squad
The Milwaukee Bucks got a couple of days of rest to hit the reset button as they try to end their four-game losing streak against the Charlotte Hornets on the road. The last time these two teams met up in Charlotte it all came down to a controversial call and a missed Giannis game-winner back on November 16 but were able to get their revenge on November 23 at home in Milwaukee.
Where We’re At
The Bucks have hit another rough patch in a season that has been filled with them. After winning eight of their last nine beforehand, they’ve now lost five of their last six and four in a row. Their lone win came against the tanking Utah Jazz, but otherwise, the West Coast road trip was a real struggle for the Bucks, who now come east to play the Hornets.
Things haven’t been much better for the lowly Hornets. After picking up their first three-game winning streak of the year in mid-January, they have lost seven of their last eight games. As if things couldn’t get any worse, LaMelo Ball injured his left ankle last Monday against the Los Angeles Lakers and hasn’t played since. As expected, the Hornets have lost every single game without Ball (0-4) and lost that game to the Lakers he was injured in.
Injury Report
The injury report is looking much better for the Bucks, with Brook Lopez (back soreness), Khris Middleton (ankle injury management), and Bobby Portis (personal reasons) all listed as probable to play. The two to watch for will be the dynamic duo of Giannis (fight patella tendinopathy) and Dame (left groin soreness), both listed as questionable.
The Hornets’ report reads a mile long and includes some heavy hitters who will miss tonight’s game. LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Grant Williams, Tre Mann, Cody Martin, and Josh Okogie will all miss the game with various injuries. Even Vasilije Micic is listed as questionable with left ankle soreness.
Player To Watch
With potentially Brook and Bobby returning to the lineup tonight, it will be interesting to see how they match up with Hornets center Mark Williams. After missing the first month of the season, January was a marked improvement over his play in December. In 10 games, Williams averaged 18.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game (shooting 57.9% from the field).
How To Watch
FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin at 6:00 p.m. CST.
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