© Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
GAME DAY PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: The Milwaukee Bucks return to action, face the streaking Minnesota Timberwolves
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.
