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Preseason basketball is weird enough, but the Milwaukee Bucks are in a somehow stranger place. After the introductory exhibition, the team took off for Abu Dhabi for a pair of contests against the Hawks, and after their return they’re now on the second night of a preseason back-to-back...with 8 days before opening the season against Philly next week.
I don’t even know, man. But let’s go!
Where We’re At
The Bucks are a mess in the preseason, but they’re also not themselves. Giannis Antetokounmpo has played in one game, Khris Middleton has played in none, and they rested almost as many players as they had available last night!
Charles Lee tells reporters many Bucks will be OUT tonight.
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) October 11, 2022
Sick (non-COVID): Grayson Allen, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, George Hill
Management: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, Brook Lopez, Serge Ibaka
Injuries: Khris Middleton, Joe Ingles, Wesley Matthews, Pat Connaughton
There’s only so much that can be gleaned from an exhibition game that doesn’t include /checks notes your entire rotation, minus Bobby Portis who still didn’t play! If you’re looking for any sort of meaningful insights or takeaways leading into this year, last night’s game misses the mark. Hey, speaking of missing the mark...
Recording the annual NBA over/unders pod today — this clip may have single-handedly nudged me to the Nets under. pic.twitter.com/6ti2BicNNo
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) October 11, 2022
It’s preseason, it’s whatever, but the clip of Ben Simmons casually taking a jump shot and missing everything? It’s as good as it gets.
Player To Watch
Will acting head coach Charles Lee play anyone of consequence tonight? Considering this is the team’s last dress rehearsal before the opener next Thursday, we sure hope that they at least try to get some in-game reps. Then again, the whole story of the offseason is continuity, and only one of the two newcomers (MarJon Beauchamp, who is a rookie) is even available to play with the rest of the regular crew (minus Middleton, who remains out while recovering from wrist surgery).
If not, let’s watch Lindell Wigginton, Luca Vildoza, and Sandro Mamukelashvili do stuff. It’s sort of like Summer League, but better production value!
Poll
Preseason Game 5: Against Brooklyn, the Bucks will...
This poll is closed
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21%
Win big (by 10 or more points)
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12%
Win close (by 9 or fewer points)
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17%
Lose close (by 9 or fewer points)
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49%
Lose big (by 10 or more points)
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