Bucks vs Jazz Preview: A Battle at the Summit

This road trip has been an interesting one. We have had defective rims and backboards, the usual LA nightlife hangover and now the question of what will happen this go around in Utah. Last year when the Bucks load managed this matchup and we got a jumbo lineup, Milwaukee almost pulled out the victory in a high scoring affair. Will history repeat itself with the jumbo lineup? Probably not, but it would be pretty cool to see.

Bucks Update

Milwaukee are two blown leads away from being 8-0 so maybe the sky isn’t falling as much as some people would want you to believe. The Bucks are on a four game winning streak and look to continue that run tonight. So far this road trip, they have had the fortune of not playing the other team’s best player with the Timberwolves missing Karl Anthony Towns due to suspension and the clippers missing Kawhi Leonard due to load management. The depth has been great and will look to use that at its full disposal.

Bucks Player to watch: Brook Lopez

So Brook has not been shooting the ball well at all. While the chances have been there, it will be needed for him to find his shooting touch to be able to draw Rudy Gobert away from the rim and be spared from being dunked on Giannis. Brook’s shooting or bully ball style can be the difference for the Bucks in this matchup after getting outplayed by Montrezl Harrell.

Jazz Update

The Jazz are the same as always, ok offense at best and stellar defense. They swapped Ricky Rubio for Mike Conley to help reduce the offensive load from Donovan Mitchell to marginal success. Results have varied as they have beaten teams like the Sixers and Suns but have also lost to the Kings, and both LA teams.

Jazz Player to watch: Rudy Gobert

I just wanted an excuse to post this: