Bucks Zone

GAME DAY PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: The Milwaukee Bucks return to action, face the streaking Minnesota Timberwolves

The Bucks try to end a two-game slide against the streaking Wolves.

Matthew Dugandzic

© Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
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A tough test awaits the Milwaukee Bucks in their first game since the All-Star break as they travel to Minnesota to take on the streaking Timberwolves on Friday night.

Milwaukee is expected to have its hands full against the Wolves, who are currently No. 1 in the Western Conference with a 39-16 record. The Bucks headed into the All-Star break third in the Eastern Conference with a 35-21 record.

Contrasting showings

The two squads ended the first half of the season in a different fashion. The Bucks went into the break on a sour note after suffering back-to-back losses against teams missing a group of key players. The Wolves were red-hot going into the break after they racked up four straight wins that enabled them to surge atop the West.

Milwaukee is 12-14 in away games this season, while Minnesota has been solid at home, where it is currently 19-5. The Bucks have been struggling to get into a good rhythm under coach Doc Rivers, as they are just 3-7 under the veteran bench tactician.

Minnesota dealt one of Milwaukee’s losses under Rivers, which triumphed in their February 8th meeting, 129-105. The loss was Milwaukee’s sixth game under Rivers.

In their ten games under Rivers, the Bucks are averaging 111.0 points, 41.2 rebounds, 27.4 assists, 8.1 steals and 4.4 blocks per game.

The Timberwolves are 7-3 in their last ten games, averaging 117.9 points, 43.7 rebounds, 27.0 assists, 7.5 steals and 5.7 blocks per game.

Injury report

Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) and Pat Connaughton (knee) are listed as probable for the Bucks, while Khris Middleton will remain out due to a sprained ankle.

Jaylen Clark (Achilles) is out for Minnesota, while Wendell Moore Jr. (knee) is listed as day-to-day.

Giannis Antetokounmpo explains the differences between Doc Rivers and former coach Adrian Griffin

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.