Milwaukee (45-17 SU, 35-25-2 ATS) hopes to start a new streak after taking on Washington (30-32 SU, 30-29-3 ATS) on Sunday night at Capital One Arena at 7:30pmET.
The Bucks had a 16-game winning streak snapped on Saturday against Philadelphia, while Washington fell to Toronto at home in overtime on Saturday. In their two previous meeting this season, the Wizards beat up on the Bucks 118-95 on the road and Milwaukee defeated Washington at home on Jan. 3 123-113.
Milwaukee had a 19-point lead against Philadelphia on Saturday and was up by four with 1:21 left before James Harden and Joel Embiid made two three-pointers down the stretch. Giannis Anteokounmpo missed a shot around the basket and Jrue Holiday missed a three-pointer with 25 seconds left as the Sixers came back to win 133-130. The Bucks' defense fell apart as they allowed Philly to shoot 50% from the field and 49% (18-of-37) from long range. The Greek Freak led the way 34 points and 13 rebounds (7 turnovers), while Holiday added 26 and 13 assists. The Bucks shot 53% from the field and 50% (17-of-34) from long range.
Keep building good habits.
34 PTS | 13 REB | 4 AST | 1 BLK pic.twitter.com/8MaFJMYrSd
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) March 5, 2023
Despite the loss, the Bucks are in pretty good shape after winning 16 of their last 17 games. They lead Boston by a 1/2 game to lead the Eastern Conference. They are also healthy for the first time all season and they are also about to add to one of the best benches in the NBA. Goran Dragic, a 36-year old veteran guard, is about to sign with the Bucks. Antetokounmp is having another great all-around season, averaging 31.3 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists on 53.9% shooting. The one thing they lack is a strong shooting guard as Grayson Allen (10.7ppg) and Pat Caonnaughton (8.1ppg) are solid role players. Dragic averaged 6.4 points and shot 35.2% from beyond the arc with Chicago.
Defensively, the Bucks are elite in a league where defense is nearly non-existent. They allow 111.5 points per game (5th) on 45.2% shooting (2nd) and 34.4% from beyond the arc (2nd). They also dominate the glass (+5.2 margin) and that should be a big advantage aga inst the Wizards.
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