Bucks Zone

GAMEDAY PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: The Milwaukee Bucks start a 3-game road trip against the Portland Trail Blazers

The Milwaukee Bucks gun for an eight straight win against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Matthew Dugandzic|
GAMEDAY PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: The Milwaukee Bucks start a 3-game road trip against the Portland Trail Blazers
GAMEDAY PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: The Milwaukee Bucks start a 3-game road trip against the Portland Trail Blazers

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Milwaukee BucksPortland 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).

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.