Bucks Zone

Gameday preview and injury report: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

The Bucks are set to take on their Eastern Conference rivals, the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Matthew Dugandzic

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The Milwaukee Bucks seem to be in a slump right now. After starting off the season with a franchise-best 8-0 record, the Bucks have gone on to lose three of the next five games. They are set to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight, looking to return to winning ways after two straight losses.

Game Preview

The Bucks are coming into this game on the back of a two-game losing streak. Their last game was against the Atlanta Hawks; a matchup in which they were convincingly defeated. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo made his return to the lineup after missing a couple of games, and he looked a little rusty. He has been spectacular so far, averaging 31.3 PPG, 11.8 RPG, and 5.2 APG on 52% shooting, but he will need to find his rhythm again tonight if the Bucks want to take down the rising Cavs team.

The key for the Bucks this season has been their defense. The Bucks rank number 1 in the NBA in terms of defensive rating (105.0). But in their last three games, they have allowed way over their season average. On the season they only allow 107.0 points per game, but in the last three contests they have given up 121.3 points per game. They will want to address these issues that have been plaguing them lately and get back on track.

The Cavs made a massive move to acquire Donovan Mitchell in the offseason, and it has worked brilliantly so far. They have one of the best lineups in the league, and Mitchell has been a beast. Spida has been averaging 31.6 PPG and 6.1 APG on 51% shooting from the field and 41.3% shooting from three. 

Injury report

Khris Middleton and Joe Ingles are still out for the Bucks, and they are yet to make their season debut. Wesley Matthews suffered an injury in the last game, and he is also set to miss the game against the Bucks.

Pat Connaughton may be in line to make his season debut, as he is listed as questionable, along with Jrue Holiday. Meanwhile, Grayson Allen is listed as doubtful after the injury he suffered in the last game versus the Hawks.

For the Cavs, Jarret Allen, Ricky Rubio, and Dylan Windler are set to miss the game. Dean Wade is listed as questionable, while the status of Donovan Mitchell is yet to be determined -- he is listed as a game-time decision.

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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.