Milwaukee Bucks vs. Los Angeles Clippers Preview: California Dreaming

The matchup may have lost some of its luster with the news Kawhi Leonard would sit out with rest (cue the cries of coward), but the Milwaukee Bucks start their West Coast trip against the still formidable Los Angeles Clippers.

Bucks Update

The Milwaukee Bucks won their third consecutive game on Monday night by a score of 134-106 over the KAT-less Minnesota Timerbwolves. It was an odd first half for the Bucks, as they let the T-Wolves hang around, but Milwaukee took it to them in the third quarter as they enjoyed a 20-point cushion the rest of the way.

Giannis Antetokounmpo was dominant, finishing with 34 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists in only 27 minutes. He shot 14-of-19 overall.

Eric Bledsoe and Khris Middleton each had solid games, with Bledsoe finishing with a season-high 22 points and Middleton chipped in with 26 points. Donte DiVincenzo was cooking in garbage time, scoring a career-high 17 points and sank three three-pointers. Overall, the Bucks shot a scorching 53.8% from the field.

The Bucks will have everyone healthy for tonight’s clash against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Player To Watch: Eric Bledsoe

Playing against his former employer, I expect Bledsoe to come out aggressive and try to take it to the Clippers. It seems like whenever he has a good game, the Bucks win. We’ll see if that trend continues tonight. It’s a battle of tenacious point guard defenders between him and Patrick Beverley.

Clippers Update

The Clippers are fresh off a 105-94 home victory over the Utah Jazz.

Kawhi Leonard was awesome in the final frame, scoring 18 of his 30 points in the fourth. Montrezl Harrell was huge off the bench for Los Angeles, scoring 19 points and finishing plus-24.

Unfortunately, due to “load management,” Kawhi Leonard will be OUT tonight :(

Player To Watch: Montrezl Harrell

Remember when he torched the Bucks in Los Angeles last season? He’s a great offensive and defensive player, and can turn the tide of the game in an instant. As a basketball fan, I love the tenacity he plays with, and I am sure he’ll be asked to do more with Kawhi out tonight.