Milwaukee Bucks vs. Denver Nuggets Preview: April Fool’s Day Showdown

The Milwaukee Bucks won their last game west of the Rocky Mountains with an overtime win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night. Tonight, they look for their third straight victory and only the Denver Nuggets stand in their way of getting a winning streak going as the season nears an end.

Bucks Update

The Bucks continue to show they are as dissatisfied with a projected eight seed as we are. They are just a half-game away from being in that sixth spot which is currently occupied by the Washington Wizards. Friday night in Los Angeles featured the team’s offensive load be carried by the smooth (shot) pouring KEG. The trio combined for 96 of Milwaukee’s 124 total points with Eric Bledsoe leading the way with 39 points on top of three rebounds and six assists. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the team with nearly 43 minutes of game time and finished with a line of 27 points, 16 rebounds, and four assists.

Player to Watch: Khris Middleton

Middleton had a nice showing against the Golden State Warriors and then followed it up with a solid night against the Lakers. Khris has logged an average of 39 minutes in the past two games and has connected on half of his three-point shots (5/10). As the Bucks march into the playoffs and attempt to get out of the eighth seed projection, Middleton finding a consistent ability to score while increasing his efficiency is going to be big for the Bucks.

Nuggets Update

Denver has gone 2-3 in their last five games and currently find themselves tied for ninth with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Nuggets are two games back from getting to the playoffs but their recent play makes that goal look unreachable. Friday night’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder was a positive step in righting their ship, however. In the 126-125 overtime victory, Paul Millsap (who missed the last meeting with Milwaukee) dropped 36 points and collected nine rebounds. After missing months with a serious wrist injury, Millsap has been getting back in the swing of things and put together a complete performance Friday night.

Player to Watch: Jamal Murray

The Denver Nuggets converted on 60 percent of their three-point attempts in the last meeting between these two teams. For his part, Murray chipped in a five-for-seven effort from beyond the arc and 26 points in total as the Nuggets netted 134 total points in a 48 minute game. Gary Harris has been sidelined with knee soreness and remains in question for tonight, but containing all of Denver’s perimeter attack will be absolutely paramount for the Bucks if they want to head home on a three game win streak.