Milwaukee Bucks vs. Dallas Mavericks Preview: Bucks Look to Blast Mavs Out of the BMO

Wednesday night, the Milwaukee Bucks took down the Detroit Pistons in a game that was not as close as the 104-100 score would have you believe. Tonight, the Bucks host the Dallas Mavericks as the two teams clash for the second time in the last few weeks. The previous meeting saw the Mavericks coast to a 111-79 victory over a despondent Milwaukee side. The Bucks will break out their classic uniform set and try to snap a current three game losing streak against the Mavericks.

Bucks Update

The Bucks climbed into the top five of the Eastern Conference following Wednesday night’s divisional clash. KEG tapped the Pistons for a combined 68 points with Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the way with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Eric Bledsoe has tallied 15+ points a game over the last seven games, while shooting at a 51 percent clip over that same stretch. It would appear that he has settled in since last month’s trade. The surprise performer from Wednesday night was Rashad Vaughn, who finished with 11 points and a +/- of +18.

Player to Watch: Khris Middleton

Last time out against the Mavericks, Middleton scored 24 points on nine of 12 shooting, including three of five from three-point range. He has definitely been in his zone the past four games, connecting on 60 percent of his field goal attempts and eclipsing the 20 point mark in three of those four games. Tonight he will be looking to replicate his first performance against Dallas and keep his shooting touch rolling.

Mavericks Update

Since shellacking the Bucks on November 18th, the Mavericks have compiled a 3-4 record as they seem to have finally found their footing this season. Dallas is coming off a closer than expected 97-90 road loss to the Boston Celtics and will be looking to steal another victory from Milwaukee. Harrison Barnes continues to lead the Maverick offense as he and rookie Dennis Smith Jr. continue to mesh within the offense.

Player to Watch: Wesley Matthews

In the previous meeting, the former Marquette great and Madison native scored 22 points against the Bucks on six of eight shooting from beyond the arc. The wing is knocking down three-pointers at a 40 percent clip this season and will be looking to take advantage of the Bucks’ lackluster three-point defense.