The Milwaukee Bucks are gearing up for an exciting preseason finale tonight as they take on the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center, with the tip-off set for 6:30 p.m. on TNT. However, if you're tuning in to catch some of the Bucks' star players in action, you might be in for a bit of a letdown. Head coach Doc Rivers has hinted that the Bucks may be taking it easy on their key players, including the formidable Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez.
What to Expect Tonight?
While the Bucks are wrapping up their preseason, don’t expect to see a star-studded affair on the court tonight. According to Rivers, the team had a morning scrimmage Wednesday, and it’s likely that some of their big names will be sitting out this game. Giannis Antetokounmpo, after logging 20 minutes against the Los Angeles Lakers and 23 minutes against the Chicago Bulls, may be taking a breather tonight. Although the plan was to ramp up his minutes over the course of the preseason, Rivers is being cautious with his star, especially after a bit of a heated preseason encounter against the Bulls where Giannis received a technical foul and a Flagrant 1 due to some physical play from Chicago’s less-talented, smaller backups. Better to rest the MVP and avoid any unnecessary risks before the regular season gets underway.
For fans eagerly anticipating Giannis’ return to the hardwood, the Bucks' regular season opener is just around the corner, kicking off on October 23rd in Philadelphia. So, even though tonight might not give you the superstar matchups you were hoping for, the real action is just days away.
A Resting Day for Other Big Names Too
It’s not just Giannis who might be out of action tonight. Damian Lillard, the Bucks’ latest big acquisition, along with Bobby Portis Jr., are also expected to sit this one out. It looks like the team is being strategic, keeping their core players fresh and ready for the main event next week.
But the Bucks aren’t the only ones taking it easy with their lineup. Over in Dallas, Luka Dončić is also unlikely to suit up, nursing a left calf bruise. He’s missed all three of the Mavericks' previous preseason games, and it seems unlikely that coach Jason Kidd will take any chances by playing him tonight. Alongside Luka, Kyrie Irving, Maxi Kleber, Dante Exum, and Kessler Edwards are all expected to miss tonight’s game due to rest or injury-related reasons. So, tonight’s matchup could be more of a battle between the backups, giving some of the younger guys a chance to showcase their skills before the real season grind begins.
What’s Going on with Khris Middleton?
Now, let's shift the spotlight to Khris Middleton, a three-time All-Star for the Bucks. Unfortunately for Middleton fans, the star forward has been ruled out for tonight’s game as well. Middleton is still recovering from offseason surgery on both ankles and hasn’t yet practiced in a full five-on-five setting. The good news is that, according to Rivers, it’s not necessary for Middleton to participate in full practices in order to be ready for the season opener against the 76ers on October 23rd. Bucks fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Middleton is still on track to suit up for the start of the season.
New Faces and Roster Moves: Justise Winslow Joins the Bucks
The Bucks have been busy adding depth to their roster, and one of their more recent signings is 28-year-old guard Justise Winslow. Milwaukee brought Winslow on board via an Exhibit 10 contract, which allows him to sign with their G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd, for the start of this season. Winslow, standing at 6-foot-6, was the 10th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft out of Duke and has spent eight seasons in the league playing for teams like Miami, Memphis, the Clippers, and Portland. While Winslow has struggled with consistency—he’s a career 31.5% three-point shooter—he brings a wealth of experience to the Bucks’ G League team, and who knows? With some strong performances, he might even find himself back on the NBA roster.
It’s worth noting that the Bucks have been making similar moves recently, adding and waiving players as they shuffle their roster ahead of the regular season. Alongside Winslow, they’ve brought in Henry Ellenson, Terence Davis, Ibou Badji, and rookie Philip Alston, who was part of their Summer League team. These Exhibit 10 contracts allow the Bucks to take a closer look at veteran and rookie talent while giving their G League team a boost.
Roster Shuffle Before Dallas
In preparation for tonight’s game against the Mavericks, the Bucks also waived James Akinjo, further solidifying their preseason roster moves. Akinjo was one of several players who were part of the Bucks’ training camp roster, but with final cuts looming, it’s clear the Bucks are getting ready to lock in their opening night lineup.
While tonight’s preseason game might not have the star power some fans were hoping for, it’s still an important step for the Bucks as they fine-tune their roster and get their role players ready for the grind of the regular season. For fans looking forward to seeing the dynamic duo of Giannis and Dame take the floor together, patience will be key. The Bucks are playing the long game, ensuring their stars are fresh, healthy, and ready to make a deep playoff run.
Looking Ahead to the Regular Season
So, while the preseason wraps up tonight in Dallas, the real excitement is just beginning. The Bucks have a packed schedule ahead, starting with their regular season opener on October 23rd in Philadelphia. With Giannis leading the charge, alongside the newly acquired Damian Lillard and the ever-reliable Khris Middleton, the Bucks are shaping up to be one of the most exciting teams to watch this season.
Fans can expect big things from this team as they look to make a serious run for the championship. Even though tonight’s game might be a bit of a snooze-fest for those hoping to see the stars shine, it’s all part of a bigger plan. With the regular season just days away, all eyes will be on the Bucks as they aim to bring another title back to Milwaukee.
So, Bucks fans, buckle up! The preseason may be winding down, but the real fun is about to begin. Keep an eye on those role players tonight—some of them could be making big plays in the regular season when it counts the most.
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