2009/2010 NBA Season | ||
---|---|---|
27-46 (8-29 road) |
vs. |
40-32 (25-11 home) |
March 30, 2010 | ||
Bradley Center |
||
7:00 PM | ||
Radio: WTMJ AM 620 TV: FSN Wisconsin |
||
Probable starters: | ||
Steve Blake |
PG |
Brandon Jennings |
Eric Gordon |
SG | Charlie Bell |
Rasual Butler |
SF | John Salmons |
Drew Gooden |
PF |
Luc Mbah a Moute |
Chris Kaman |
C |
Andrew Bogut |
(26th) 103.2 - OFFENSE - 104.4 (23rd) |
||
(22nd) 109.6 - DEFENSE - 102.9 (5th) |
||
(16th) 92.5 - PACE - 92.2 (18th) |
Coverage
Clips Nation / L.A. Times / ClipperBlog / Bucks Gameday
Clipper Update. The Clippers didn't let an eight game losing streak deter them from beating the Bucks 101-93 in Los Angeles two weeks ago, but they haven't really generated too much momentum since then. Aside from a nice road win in Houston, the Clips have dropped three of four since beating the Bucks, with each of those losses coming by at least 10 points.
Baron out. L.A. begins their current three game road trip without the services of Baron Davis (back spasms), who had a terrific first half against the Bucks at Staples, showing that at times he can still be a forced to be reckoned with. For most opponents it'd be rather exciting to see Steve Blake starting in Baron's place, but it bears mentioning that Blake has generally killed the Bucks since his ill-fated 33 game tenure as a Buck in the 06/07 season. Though he scored just seven points on ten shots in the Blazers' December overtime loss, Blake scored 21 points in each of his two previous annual visits with Portland in 08/09 and 07/08. Naturally, the Blazers won both games. And after being traded to the Nuggets for Earl Boykins in 06/07, he came back later that season to record 10 points and 11 assists in a Denver victory at the BC. You'd think he was Beno Udrih or something.
Drew Gooden--whom the Bucks tried to acquire at the deadline--has been stuffing the statsheet of late, averaging 19.7 ppg and 15.3 rpg over the past three games including a 26/20 game in Dallas a week ago. On the downside, he's made just 20/47 fg (42.6%) in that span, and his scoring has only partly offset two straight off nights from all-star center Chris Kaman, who's scored just 13 points combined in the past two games (6/20 fg).
Delfino update. Charles Gardner reports that Carlos Delfino is making progress following his scary injury on Friday against Miami, but it's unclear if he'll be ready in time for the Clipper game.
Carlos Delfino continued to receive treatment from the Bucks medical staff Monday after suffering a neck injury in the game Friday. Delfino fell face down on the Bradley Center floor and had his head inadvertently stepped on by Miami forward Udonis Haslem.
"He's better," Skiles said. "He's still having a bit of a headache off and on. He did a light workout (Sunday) and again this morning and is going home to rest."
Update: CBS Sports quotes Skiles sounding more optimistic: "I'd say he will probably play Tuesday."
Home stretch. The JS has a good graphic detailing the battle for the East's last four playoff spots. The Bucks have five games remaining both at home and on the road, with a 5.5 game on lead on 9th place Chicago and just a one game lead on 6th place Miami. Despite five of their eight remaining games coming on the road, the Heat certainly don't have it too tough--all of their remaining opponents are below .500.
Bogut's back. The big man looked re-energized after a game off to rest his sore back, dropping 18/11 in addition to four blocks and a couple key charges drawn on Rudy Gay in the fourth quarter and overtime. Over at NBA Playbook, Sebastian Pruiti breaks down some video showing just how important Bogut is on both ends.
Let's also hope the Bucks can do a better job of keeping him involved throughout the game--he scored just five points after halftime against the Grizz. Also keep in mind what happened when these teams met in L.A. The Clippers used a 2-3 zone in the fourth to limit Bogut's touches and force the Bucks to beat them from the outside...and they didn't. Not having Delfino around as a zone-buster hurt in that game, though Davis' absence could again encourage Skiles to use more of the Ridnour/Jennings backcourt to give the Bucks' more ballhandlers/shooters. Both guys looked too small to defend Davis in L.A., but Blake is obviously a different story.