GAME DAY PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: The Milwaukee Bucks shoot for 6th-straight win, battle the L.A. Clippers
On Monday night, Coach Doc Rivers will face his former team when the streaking Milwaukee Bucks host the Los Angeles Clippers.
After a tumultuous start, Rivers has seemed to have already found the right formula as he has steered the Bucks to five straight wins since the All-Star break. Milwaukee went 3-7 in its first ten games under Rivers, but it finally got going as it has been undefeated since the All-Star break.
Back in second spot
The Bucks are just two straight wins away from matching their longest winning streak in the season. The defense has been the key in Milwaukee's surge, as it has held its opponent below 100 points in the last four games.
With the Cleveland Cavaliers (39-21) losing to the New Knicks on Sunday night, the Bucks are back in second spot in the Eastern Conference with a 40-21 record. Milwaukee and the Boston Celtics are the first two teams in the East to reach 40 wins. The Celtics are in the No. 1 spot with a 48-12 record.
Milwaukee will try to preserve its hot run against a Clippers team that Rivers handled from 2013 to 2020. The Clippers are fourth in the Western Conference with a 39-20 record.
Winners of two straight games, the Clippers are playing the backend of a back-to-back after scoring a tight 89-88 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday night.
Injury report
Khris Middleton will miss another game for the Bucks due to a sprained ankle. Giannis Antetokounmpo (left Achilles tendinitis) is listed as questionable, Chris Livingston (right groin strain) is also doubtful, while MarJon Beauchamp (lower back spasms) is listed as probable.
The Clippers will be without Russell Westbrook due to a hand injury.