Milwaukee Bucks vs. Washington Wizards Preview: MLK Day Matinee

The Milwaukee Bucks head to DC to take on the Washington Wizards after a dreadful performance against the Miami Heat on Sunday afternoon. The two teams met last Saturday night and the Bucks were fortunate to squeak by with a 110-103 victory.

Bucks Update

The Bucks have dropped their last two games in different, frustrating fashions. The loss to the Golden State Warriors was that of an opportunity missed, whereas the Miami Heat loss was just ugly as sin. Giannis Antetokounmpo is in a bit of a rut offensively, relatively speaking of course. He has gone four straight games without recording a double-double, his longest drought of the season, and is averaging 22 points on 53 percent shooting during that stretch. His last double-double was against the Wizards last Saturday, so all eyes will be on how the soon to be two time All-Star will perform.

Player To Watch: Khris Middleton

Middleton has been anything but cash since the previous contest in DC. He has shot an ice cold 18 percent from three-point range over the last four games and has shown no hesitation in boarding the tough shot express. Last time out against the Wizards, Middleton scored 20 points, but was not sharp from the floor, shooting 35 percent. It is no secret that Khris is slumping and is trying to shoot himself out of it.

Wizards Update

Washington is coming off an overtime win against the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night. John Wall was an absolute fiend in that win scoring 23 points and carding 16 assists. Wall also had a 16 assists against the Bucks in last Saturday’s meeting and will be looking to replicate that individual feat. Washington will also be looking for their 43 percent three-point shooting to carry over from Saturday to today. The Wizards are currently riding a two game win streak and will be out to prove last Saturday’s meeting with Milwaukee was a fluke fourth quarter performance.

Player To Watch: Bradley Beal

Over his last ten games, Beal has scored 20 or more points in all of them and eclipsed the 30 point mark thrice. In the three games since facing the Bucks, Beal has been underwhelming from three, shooting 29 percent, but is still getting buckets overall, converting on 52 percent of his total shot attempts. Last time out against Milwaukee, Beal was held to 14 percent shooting from beyond the arc, and the Bucks need to hold him to similar levels to have a fighting chance this afternoon.