GAMEDAY PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: The Milwaukee Bucks start a 3-game road trip against the Portland Trail Blazers
Currently the league’s hottest team, the Milwaukee Bucks begin a three-game road trip when they duel with the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night.
Game preview
The Bucks are on a seven-game winning streak, as they have not lost since Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton returned from long layoffs due to injuries.
The Bucks capped their four-game homestand with a 123-115 defeat of the Miami Heat on Saturday night. Antetokounmpo recorded a triple-double in that win, finishing with 35 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists. It was the two-time MVP’s third triple-double of the season and 32nd of his career.
Also playing a pivotal role in the Bucks’ surge is Middleton, who has been stellar since returning from an 18-game absence. Against the Heat, Middleton scored a season-high 24 points and also added seven rebounds, four assists, and a steal.
While still trying to get back in game shape, Khris continues to play off the bench and has not played more than 20 minutes in each of the games that he has played since his return. The limited minutes have not stopped Middleton from being efficient, as he averaged 14.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in the team’s seven-game winning streak.
The Bucks are looking to sweep the Blazers in their regular-season series after scoring a 119-111 victory in their first meeting on November 22nd.
Injury report
Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is listed as probable against the Trail Blazers, while Bobby Portis Jr. (knee) and Serge Ibaka (personal) are out.
Drew Eubanks and Gary Payton II are probable, while Portland will be without Justise Winslow (ankle), Ibou Badji (knee), and Jusuf Nurkic (calf).