Inside The Nets

GAME PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: Brooklyn Nets vs. Milwaukee Bucks

The Nets aim to end the losing streak in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Peter Sunjic

© Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

Brooklyn is amidst a four-game losing streak, including a recent loss to the Spurs. Now, the Nets are playing against the Milwaukee Bucks, the second-best team in the Eastern Conference.

The Bucks are a challenging matchup for the Nets, especially since they want to bounce back from a defeat to the Celtics in the first leg of their back-to-back. Brooklyn is motivated to win this game, but the Nets are heavy underdogs.

Milwaukee is a tremendous team to play against

Even if the Bucks might miss Giannis Antetokounmpo for this game, they are still superb. Damian Lillard had a rock-solid performance against Boston, scoring a game-high 32 points. Bobby Portis Jr. stepped in for Giannis against the Celtics, as the backup big man posted a huge 24-point and 15-rebound double-double.

Khris Middleton is also a significant player on the roster, as the team is ramping him up just in time for the postseason. He had a decent performance against Boston, posting a stat line of 22 points, six rebounds, and six assists.

The Nets will have trouble defending Lillard, as he’s finding his form as a superstar guard. Mikal Bridges will be the standout defender for him, but the best defender to match up against him is Dame’s former teammate Dennis Smith Jr.

The uber-athletic guard is a superb defender who knows how Dame plays. While Dennis Schroder is the designated starter, expect Smith Jr. to play heavy minutes for the Nets.

On the offensive end, Coach Kevin Ollie would want to see Mikal and Cameron Thomas score plenty of points again to counter Milwaukee’s tremendous output.

Injury Report

Brooklyn won’t have Dorian Finney-Smith due to a sore left ankle. He has been dealing with it for the past few games, but this upcoming game is confirmed to be a game he’ll be sitting out. Starting center Nic Claxton is questionable due to an illness, which might lead to Noah Clowney getting called up from the Long Island Nets to help support Day’Ron Sharpe.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status is still unclear, considering he sat out the first leg of the back-to-back due to an ailing hamstring. The rest of the Bucks are healthy, just in time for the season’s final stretch.

Dumping Ben Simmons to acquire an All-Star is the Nets' dream offseason trade scenario

Published
Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

Home/Gameday