Bucks vs. Knicks Preview: Merry Bucksmas, Everyone

I hope everyone is enjoying their friends, family and fellow Milwaukee Bucks fans this holiday. If, perhaps, you felt a little short on presents this morning, fear not. A beat down of the New York Knicks is hopefully forthcoming to bring you some extra cheer.

Bucks Update

Did you guys hear about Milwaukee arriving in Miami at 4 AM after beating Boston? That was about the only narrative emerging from the weekend’s loss, with most chocking up the Bucks tough offensive effort to their sleep-deprived schlep through the airs. Still, they had a chance to win it at the end despite an abhorrent shooting performance from behind the arc. They will assuredly be a little peeved at that, and looking for revenge for the 136-134 OT loss against the Knicks to kick off December. Watch out Hezonja, for Giannis may be playing the role of Nutcracker this holiday game.

Player to Watch: Giannis Antetokounmpo

He’s the guy who made this whole day possible. Few players in the league would be capable of elevating Milwaukee to a team that’s viable to play on one of the NBA’s hallmark events. Let’s ignore the fact they got matched up with New York to make it happen. Giannis is Santa, and he’s brought us the most wonderful present of all: Bucks basketball on Christmas day.

Knicks Update

Things have not been rosy (poinsettia-y?) in New York since they toppled the Bucks. Their advent calendar has been full of crappy games almost every time they’ve opened it, losing nine of their last ten after opening the month with that fortunate victory over Milwaukee. Emmanuel Mudiay is suddenly balling out for them, including a few 30-point efforts? But they’ve also dropped a game to both the Suns and Hawks within the last week. Good for tanking, bad for the optics. Let’s hope James Dolan spared them a guitar serenade following those pitfalls. Beating Milwaukee (in OT no less) took a literally historic shooting performance by the Knicks. I’m doubtful that has any chance of happening today.

Player to Watch: Mario Hezonja

Oh wait, that’s right. He’s not even in the rotation right now. All I want for Christmas is a Giannis slam and stare down of Hezonja’s sorry tush on the bench.