Milwaukee Bucks vs. Dallas Mavericks Preseason Preview: Khashing out

It’s the Bucks’ last preseason game, and it’s not clear if we’ll see any of the regulars

After their first preseason win, the Milwaukee Bucks will look to finish their regular-season prep with a .500 record as they take on former head coach Jason Kidd’s Dallas Mavericks down in Big D. A preseason NBA Finals preview, perhaps? Maybe? The real question is whether or not we’ll see any of the starters. Doc Rivers told the media before leaving yesterday that we won’t see one of them, as has been the case all preseason:

Where We’re At

Both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard looked pretty impressive in more extended minutes on Monday at Fiserv Forum. The Greek Freak had little trouble with the Bulls’ B team (well, maybe actually their C team) down low, racking up 24 points in 23 minutes and shooting 12/16 at the line. He was even 2/3 outside the restricted area. Dame chipped in 20 with nine assists in 27 minutes, while Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, and Gary Trent were also in double figures. Those five guys, Taurean Prince, and first-round pick AJ Johnson all saw 20+ minutes, flipping a ten-point first-half deficit to a ten-point lead by late in the third quarter. The young dudes deeper on the bench held off Chicago just enough to get the W.

Meanwhile, the Mavs have dropped all three of their preseason matchups so far, though Doncic has appeared in exactly zero minutes thanks to a left calf contusion. Kyrie Irving played seventeen minutes last Thursday before resting against the Clippers on Monday, so we may see him tonight. Otherwise, the reigning Western Conference champs have been led by the likes of P.J. Washington, Jaden Harvey, and All-Rookie Second-Teamer Dereck Lively in exhibition play. Marquette Alum O-Max Prosper has given Dallas some solid minutes too, with a double-double against Utah. Free agent splash Klay Thompson has looked pretty rough in his two games thus far, shooting 3/9 last week and 0/9 on Monday, but it’s preseason so whatever.

Injury Report

Last week, Doc Rivers said Middleton could play two preseason games, though he backed off the idea of seeing him against on Monday over the weekend. Though he was in the arena on Monday walking around normally, he didn’t suit up, and while he continues to practice, Doc told us pre-game that Middleton isn’t yet a full participant. But he also said he’s generally unconcerned if he doesn’t play tonight and expects him to play on opening night next Wednesday. As we now know, Middleton won’t play tonight, but here’s what else Doc had to say:

It sounds possible all the other regulars could sit for rest too, which is a good thing.

In addition to Doncic and Irving, Dallas also was missing Maxi Kleber and Kessler Edwards two days ago with left ankle sprains. Dante Exum had right wrist surgery last week and will be out for around three months. Every other Mav on the standard roster saw the floor on Monday.

Player To Watch

I’m still going with AJ Johnson. He’s been one of the Bucks’ first few subs in the past two contests and has had mixed results; he followed up a thirteen-point, 5/12 outing against the Lakers with a 2/15 showing on Monday. That included an ill-advised final shot with 13.2 left, which became a teaching moment after Doc and the vets non-confrontationally discouraged him from doing that again (he immediately recognized his mistake, and they all had a laugh about it, per Doc). In general, I think he’s played pretty well alongside the rotation guys; eight of his misses on Monday (including four missed layups) came in the fourth after core guys Portis, Connaughton, and Wright exited.

How To Watch

TNT and Bally Sports WI at 6:30 PM CDT.

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