For one of these two teams, it will be their 14th win of the season.
The Milwaukee Bucks (13-14) look to snap their two game skid Friday night as they host the Washington Wizards (13-15).
The Bucks will also be looking to avenge their 110-105 loss to the Wizards suffered earlier this month, where John Wall went off for 24 points and 11 assists.
While the Bucks were solid offensively, this loss occurred on the defensive side. Wall’s solid night was reinforced by the rest of DC’s starting five, who all finished in double figures, combining for 88 out of Washington’s 110 points.
Giannis Antetokounmpo posted a monster stat line of 28-13-7 and Mirza Teletovic added a season-high 25 points of his own, but it was not enough for a win.
These two teams have the potential to be very threatening in the eastern conference, but their records do not reflect that. The Wizards have won six out of their last eight, but still remain two games under .500.
Milwaukee on the other hand, was coming off a back-to-back sweep of the Chicago Bulls with momentum headed into their back-to-back set against the Cleveland Cavaliers. They were unable to find a W in either game however, and are now on the verge of a three game losing streak if they can’t find an answer to the Wizards’ backcourt.
John Wall and Bradley Beal combined for 44 points in the December 10th game against Milwaukee. Although Wall and Beal generally don’t gel very well with each other, they still remain a dangerous backcourt in the NBA when hot.
The Bucks are going into their third game in four days, and they may still be without their top bench spark in Michael Beasley, who continues to nurse a sprained foot. Beasley has missed the past four games with this nagging injury that appeared out of no where.
Either Giannis Antetokounmpo or Jabari Parker have topped the Bucks in points for nine straight games. They are going to need consistent help from their bench if they intend on contending for a playoff spot.
For a Bucks win Friday night, they must tighten up their defense, limit opposing second chance points, and take advantage of all fast break opportunities.
Quick Stats: The Bucks are more favorable at home this season (9-7) than they are on the road (4-7). The Wizards hold the third-worst road record in the Eastern conference (3-9). Only the 76ers (2-7) and the Nets (1-13) have worse records away from home.
This is the second of four meetings between these two teams. The third comes this Monday night in DC.
