Regular Season Game 61
Wizards (35-25) at Bucks (33-26)
February 27, 2018 at 8:00 PM BMO Harris Bradley Center | Milwaukee, WI
TV: TNT
Radio: 1500 AM
Odds: MIL -3.0
(Photo: Homer McFanboy of Hoop District)
What to Watch:
The Quest to Even Up the Season Series
The Wizards are going into this game down 1-2 in the season series against the Bucks. The past two games have been dismal, as the Bucks were able to win the last two games against the Wizards, 110-103 and 104-95, respectively, at Capital One Arena. The Wizards will look to even the season series in Milwaukee after already having defeated the Bucks on the road in November.
Key Matchup:
Bradley Beal vs. Giannis Antetokounpo
The battle of the two All-Stars is probably the best matchup to watch considering Antetokounmpo has averaged 28 points a game against the Wizards this season. The Greek Freak is poised to be one of the premier stars in the game, using his skill and length to defend and get through the lane. Look for Markieff Morris and Otto Porter Jr. to try and contain Antetokounmpo throughout the game.
On the other hand, Bradley Beal has been a reliable scorer since the injury to John Wall. Beal has averaged 20.6 points per game against the Bucks. So, look for Beal to provide the majority of the contribution on offense especially with Malcolm Brogdon not in the lineup for the Bucks due to injury.
X-Factor:
Otto Porter Jr.
Porter played in two of the three games, where he scored 12 points and was +22 on the court in the win early in the season and only 8 points and was neutral during their most recent matchup on MLK day. Porter is one of Wizards’ main scorers this season and the team will rely on him to produce solid minutes on both ends of the court. If Porter produces the way that he did against Philadelphia on Sunday night, there is a good chance that the Wizards will take this victory.
Fun Factor:
"Antetokounmpo"
Typing that name was fun and challenging at the same time. Surprisingly, it is a lot easier to say than spell.
(Photo: Robert Rodriguez via Elite Daily)
Prediction:
This is another "must win" for the Wizards. The Bucks are a young team that has potential to make noise in the playoffs especially with an emerging superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker, mixed with vets such as Eric Bledsoe, it is a tough matchup for the Wizards. However, if the Wizards can excel through ball movement, get solid production on the bench, and play up to their competition, they can take this victory.