Milwaukee Bucks making the most of London trip, Ersan Ilyasova getting healthy, Carmelo Anthony a possibility for Knicks

The Milwaukee Bucks are mixing business and pleasure in London this week, making the most of a week in England ahead of their NBA Global Games matchup with the New York Knicks on Thursday (2 pm CT). Ersan Ilyasova is expected to be back in uniform for his first action since suffering a concussion December 23 vs. Charlotte, while Carmelo Anthony (knee) may return for the struggling Knicks.

Not that Melo is suddenly feeling all that much better -- surgery on his ailing knee appears likely no matter what happens this week. Still, the NBA and Knicks no doubt want to put their best foot forward, and a 5-35 Knicks teams sans Melo hardly qualifies. New York has lost 15 in a row, so even a half-speed Anthony would figure to be a major upgrade Derek Fisher's depleted rotation.

So what have the Bucks been up to?  Thanks to the wonders of Twitter and Instagram, we know all about it. First there was travel:

Squad is London bound!! #NBALondon2015

A photo posted by Milwaukee Bucks (@bucks) on Jan 11, 2015 at 7:02pm PST

Then there was sight-seeing:

BUCKingham Palace. #NBALondon2015

A photo posted by Milwaukee Bucks (@bucks) on Jan 12, 2015 at 6:46am PST

And of course a bit of practice:

Jason Kidd gives an update from #NBALondon2015 Practice WATCH " http://t.co/j8ZsDSSLKg pic.twitter.com/7M1i1V5Ouw

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) January 13, 2015

Practice. #NBALondon2015

Milwaukee Bucks（@bucks）張貼的影片 於 1月 13, 2015 at 4:06上午 PST 張貼

A trip to Chelsea's Stamford Bridge was on the Tuesday docket, which was especially sweet for the team's resident Chelsea fans, John Henson and Kendall Marshall:

MUST WATCH: The Bucks Make A Memorable Trip To @ChelseaFC This Afternoon " http://t.co/Vk1SKEXPEj #NBALondon2015 pic.twitter.com/a0vUMSIFwE

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) January 13, 2015

Giannis joins @ChelseaFC!?! #NBALondon2015 pic.twitter.com/x6W1iFnjfR

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) January 13, 2015

Trophies. #CFC

A photo posted by @delewaredawkins on Jan 13, 2015 at 9:43am PST

As for the next couple of days, the Bucks will have a media session and open practice before the game on Thursday, and we'll have live coverage thanks to our man on the scene (and real life Englishman/Hornets blogger) James Plowright. We know James from his work at The Lottery Mafia and coverage of last year's game in London, and he'll be credentialed starting on Wednesday. So follow him on Twitter and be sure to check back here early and often for updates from the Bucks' British adventure. In the meantime, Charles Gardner of the Journal-Sentinel is also with the team in London and posting daily updates.