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GAME DAY PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: The Milwaukee Bucks host Jrue Holiday and the Boston Celtics
After a two-day break, the Milwaukee Bucks return to action to take on the formidable Boston Celtics on Thursday night.
The Bucks are looking to end their mini-slump, but achieving that will not be easy as they will face a Celtics team currently No. 1 in the Eastern Conference with a league-best 29-8 record.
Jrue Holiday is also returning to Milwaukee for the first time since he was traded just before the season started. Boston has gone 8-2 in its last ten games and is coming off a 127-120 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.
Facing an opponent playing the back end of a back-to-back and coming off a game that went to overtime could be the break that a well-rested Milwaukee squad needs to end its mini-slump.
Rough start
The Bucks are on a two-game losing streak in what has been a rough start to the year that saw them lose four of their five games. Milwaukee has gone 5-5 in its last ten games but remains in second place in the East standings with a 25-12 record.
The two teams are meeting for the second time this season. They are scheduled to play each other four times this season.
Boston defeated Milwaukee in their first meeting on November 22nd, 119-116. Jaylen Brown scored 26 points in the win, while the losing Bucks got 28 points from Brook Lopez.
Injury report
Cameron Payne (concussion protocol) is listed as probable for the Bucks, while Jae Crowder (left adductor surgery) will not still be suiting up. However, it has been reported that he is close to returning.
Kristaps Porzingis is listed as day-to-day for the Celtics due to knee issues. Coming from a back-to-back, Boston could rest some of their key players.
