The Milwaukee Bucks host the Utah Jazz for their fourth game in eight days. The Bucks are also looking to extend their win streak to four after wins against Detroit and Chicago.
When: Friday, January 8th, 7:00 p.m. C.T.
Where: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
Follow: Fox Sports Wisconsin, 620 AM/103.3 FM WTMJ
The Win Streak:
After starting the year 2-3 and unable to string together victories, the Bucks might be catching fire at a good time. If they can get by Utah, their next opponents are Cleveland, Orlando, and Detroit, three very winnable games as they move through January.
The @Bucks win their 3rd-consecutive game.
Khris Middleton: 23 PTS, 7 AST, 5 3PM
Giannis: 25 PTS, 8 REB
Bobby Portis: 16 PTS, 10 REB
Jerami Grant: 31 PTS (career high), 10 REB
Saddiq Bey: 20 PTS, 10 REB, 6 3PM (career highs) pic.twitter.com/aSuIFmqxcS— NBA (@NBA) January 7, 2021
One of the main reasons for this win streak is the shooting. Over the last three games, their three point percentage has been above 40%, including 49% against Chicago. With Giannis averaging 26 points and Khris Middleton above 20, it is the same duo this year that has helped Milwaukee in years past.
Pleasant Surprises:
Even though it has only been eight games, newly signed Buck Bobby Portis has proven to be a reliable sixth man for this squad. In eight games with no starts, Portis is averaging 11.4 points and 8 rebounds while shooting 55% (39% 3PT). At first glance, this signing did not seem to garner that much hype in terms of larger means of production. Portis is quietly proving to be a steal of a pickup from the offseason.
Another nice surprise has been the development of Donte DiVincenzo, someone I highlighted to start the season. Taking the role of shooting guard next to Jrue Holiday, the “Big Ragu” has been solid. He is averaging 11 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists on 48% shooting. His whopping 51% from distance also ranks 14th in the NBA through eight games.
Prediction:
The Bucks have history of stringing together long, effective win streaks in years past, so expect the streak to stay alive heading into the weekend. It will not come easy, as Utah is always a formidable opponent. For my bold prediction, I see tonight being a huge game for Brook Lopez. His shooting has been spot-on through these last few games, which will force Rudy Gobert to leave his comfort zone down in the paint to defend.
Bucks 117, Jazz 112.
When you’re at practice and realize you have another game tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/5zi8Zi0Ws9
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) January 8, 2021
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