Bucks Week Ahead: Navigating the Unconventional
Get ready, Bucks fans, because this week's schedule is anything but ordinary! We're talking early mornings, late nights, and a whole lot of basketball action. In a season that's already felt a bit off-kilter, this week's lineup is just par for the course.
But here's where it gets interesting: the NBA trade deadline is just over two weeks away, and the Milwaukee Bucks are under the league's microscope. Many believe they're poised to make some significant moves. ESPN's Jamal Collier highlighted potential paths the team could take, noting that the Bucks are in a prime position to acquire a big name before February 5th. This is partly due to them avoiding the league's luxury tax for the first time in years and having a first-round draft pick available for a trade package. This could mean a completely different roster by February 6th.
Looking at the present, the Bucks are currently 11th in the Eastern Conference, just one spot away from the play-in tournament. They'll need to capitalize on their opportunities this week while adjusting to some unusual game times. Here's a breakdown of what's in store:
Monday, January 19 at Atlanta, 12:00 p.m. (Peacock)
The week tips off in Atlanta with an early game as part of the league's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration. The Bucks and Hawks kick off a full slate of games on NBC and Peacock, both teams striving to secure a playoff spot. Atlanta currently holds the 10th seed, leading the Bucks by a game and a half, but both teams are coming off three-game losing streaks. Without Trae Young, who was traded to the Washington Wizards, the Hawks will look to newly acquired CJ McCollum to lead the charge. Center Kristaps Porzingis is also out, meaning Onyeka Okongwu will face Giannis, Myles Turner, and Bobby Portis in the paint.Wednesday, January 21 vs Oklahoma City, 8:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Wednesday brings the first of two nationally-televised 8:30 p.m. tipoffs from Fiserv Forum, as the Bucks host Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder currently lead the Western Conference, holding a substantial lead over the two-seed San Antonio Spurs. Despite a late loss to the Miami Heat, Oklahoma City has won five of their last six games, boasting a deep roster. SGA is the star, often leading the team in scoring, with help from Chet Holmgren, who averages 8.5 rebounds per game and is among the league's top scorers. This will be a tough return to Fiserv Forum, where Giannis Antetokounmpo faced boos last week.Friday, January 23 vs Denver, 8:30 p.m. (Prime Video)
Friday night's matchup with the Denver Nuggets has also been flexed to an 8:30 p.m. start, as the Bucks seek to avenge a loss from last week. The Nuggets are dealing with injuries, but that didn't stop Tim Hardaway Jr. and Aaron Gordon from leading Denver to a win last Sunday. Without Nikola Jokic and Jonas Valanciunas, and with Gordon now out with a hamstring strain, the Bucks hope to use the home-court advantage at Fiserv Forum to secure a win.Sunday, January 25 vs Dallas, 6:00 p.m. (FanDuel Sports Network)
The weekend concludes with a more traditional 6 p.m. home game against the Dallas Mavericks. Like the Bucks in the East, the Mavericks are fighting for a play-in spot in the West, aiming to gain ground on the Los Angeles Clippers. First overall draft pick Cooper Flagg has developed nicely for the Mavericks, leading the offense alongside Klay Thompson. However, Flagg is questionable for Monday's game with the Knicks due to an ankle sprain, and his status for the rest of the week is uncertain. The Mavericks are also without Anthony Davis but managed to win twice over the Utah Jazz this weekend and will try to keep the momentum going.
What do you think, Bucks fans? Will these unconventional game times affect the team's performance? Which trade deadline moves do you hope to see? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
