Bucks Zone

Game day preview and injury report: The Milwaukee Bucks visit the New Orleans Pelicans

The battle between some of the best teams and power forwards in the entire NBA is upon us.
Matthew Dugandzic|
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Milwaukee BucksNew Orleans Pelicans

The Milwaukee Bucks (21-8) are set for their longest road trip of the season. Their first stop— a game versus the New Orleans Pelicans (18-11), one of the better teams in the Western Conference.

Game preview

After missing the last game versus Utah, Giannis Antetokounmpo will be getting back on the court and trying to lead his team to another victory. But that will be much easier said than done.

The Pelicans are one of the brightest young teams in the NBA, led by a superstar in the making, Zion Williamson. Zion is the most dominant and imposing player on the court night in and night out, using his size, strength, and build to bully opponents. But tonight, he has to outmuscle the Greek Freak. You could say Giannis and Zion are the two most dominant power forwards in the NBA, and their duel will be a treat for all fans.

But both of these guys will have to rely on their frontcourt partner to watch their back. Giannis will be helped by Brook Lopez, one of the best rim protectors in the league. Zion, on the other hand, has Jonas Valanicunas, who isn't known as the best rim protector, albeit being a quality center.

But it's not all about the inside battle, as the perimeter guys will also play a huge role. The Pelicans have great depth outside, with guys like CJ McCollum, Jose Alvarado, Herbert Jones, and Trey Murphy III playing crucial roles. Brandon Ingram is still out, and that could be a blessing for the Bucks. Still, Jrue Holiday and the rest of the perimeter players will have to be at their best to help Giannis in his battle against Zion.

Injury report

Khris Middleton is questionable for tonight, but Joe Ingles will be making his return from an ACL injury and debut for the Milwaukee Bucks after almost a year off the court.

On the other side, Brandon Ingram and E.J. Liddell are both out. Larry Nance Jr. is questionable.

Published
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.