In the first of 10 remaining matches in the 2024-25 NBA campaign, the Milwaukee Bucks and the New York Knicks will go head-to-head at Fiserv Forum on Saturday.
Off the back of respective defeats last time out, the teams are 2-3 over their last five matches and will both be keen to get themselves back to winning ways this weekend.
Match preview
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The Bucks have had a mixed regular-season journey to date and are currently experiencing one of their lowest points off the back of a second straight defeat against the Denver Nuggets in Thursday's meeting at Ball Arena.
Doc Rivers's men were recently dealt a huge blow on the injury front due to Damian Lillard's recent diagnosis with a blood clot issue, which will keep him out for an indefinite period, and with Giannis Antetokounmpo also unavailable for the clash in Denver, the Bucks were second-best for large spells of the contest en route to a 127-117 loss.
Perhaps the only silver lining on an otherwise dark day for the Bucks, center Brook Lopez tallied a team-high 26 points to make it three straight games of scoring at least 20 points for the first time this season.
Since winning four straight matches between February 28 and March 6, the Bucks are now 4-7 over their subsequent 11 matches and have dropped from fourth to sixth in the Eastern Conference standings.
While they are all but guaranteed an automatic place in the postseason, the Bucks will be keen to build some momentum in the final knockings of the regular season before playoff action takes centre stage.
Saturday's clash kicks off a mini three-game homestretch for the hosts, but their recent record against this weekend's opponents does not make for good reading, following four straight defeats in this fixture, including two across the sides' previous meetings this term.
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Aiming to win three matches on the bounce for only the second time this month, the New York Knicks fell well short of the challenge of the Los Angeles Clippers in Thursday's 126-113 defeat at Madison Square Garden.
A 13-point lead had Tom Thibodeau's men cruising after the opening exchanges before shambolic displays over the next two quarters saw them head into the final 12 minutes trailing by a 10-point deficit which was extended by a further three points.
With Jalen Brunson still out of action, Karl-Anthony Towns has continued to shoulder an increased offensive burden, but his 34-point, 14-rebound performance — a 51st double-double of the season— was not enough to get his side over the line.
The Knicks remain third in the East and are expected to finish there barring a late turnaround, so Thursday's clash against the Bucks could be a preview of a potential playoff first-round matchup between the sides.
In a meeting between two of the top four teams for effective field goal percentage, it is imperative that both sides maintain their high level of shots conversion to stand any chance of coming out on top here.
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Team News
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Damian Lillard is not available to play any part for the Milwaukee Bucks in Saturday's affair as he continues to battle with a deep vein thrombosis in his right calf.
Jericho Sims is another definite absentee for the home side here, but Giannis Antetokounmpo could return to action after missing the defeat to the Nuggets last time out.
Jalen Brunson is making steady progress towards making a comeback for the New York Knicks, although Saturday's game is expected to come too soon for the floor general, while fellow guard Miles McBride continues to nurse a groin issue.
Cameron Payne lasted a little over 18 minutes in his side's last outing, where he had to come off with a right ankle sprain, making him a huge doubt for this one.
Ariel Hukporti is still about two weeks away from returning to full fitness from a torn meniscus he suffered in his left knee towards the back end of February.
Milwaukee Bucks possible starting five:
Porter Jr, Prince; Kuzma, Antetokounmpo; Lopez
Los Angeles Lakers possible starting five:
Shamet, Hart; Bridges, Anunoby; Towns
We say: Bucks to win by 6+ points
Both teams have not been up to their usual standards of late, but we are expecting an entertaining affair here nonetheless.
That said, we are backing the home side to come away with the victory at the sound of the final buzzer.
Adepoju Marvellous
