Jim Owczarski on the Bucks' winning streak and Giannis' greatness
The Milwaukee Bucks' recent game seems to show that they have turned things around. And where does Giannis stand in NBA history? Jim Owczarski discusses.
The Milwaukee Bucks (23-8) conclude a four-game road trip by taking on the Cavaliers (18-13) at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Friday night in Cleveland.
The Bucks scored 40 points in the third quarter, not only erasing a one-time 15-point deficit, but also completely turning the scoreboard around, leading by 15 at one point before ultimately heading into the fourth quarter ahead of the Cavaliers, 92-80.
Milwaukee cut its deficit from 15 points to four and trailed Cleveland 59-52 at halftime. Damian Lillard scored seven points in the first half while being whistled for three fouls. Giannis Antetokounmpo has 14 to lead the Bucks. Donovan Mitchell (19) and Jarrett Allen (18) lead the Cavaliers.
Allen scored 16 and Mitchell 11 as the Cavaliers took a 37-31 lead over the Bucks after one quarter. Cleveland was just 1-for-9 from the three-point line, but scored six points off the Bucks' turnovers. Milwaukee was led by Damian Lillard with seven points.
The Bucks opened the trip with a 2-1 record, split two games with the New York Knicks and defeated the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night.
The struggling Cavaliers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 113-110 on Thursday, coming back from a 20-point deficit without star guards Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland and talented big man Evan Mobley. All-Star center Jarrett Allen scored 24 points and had 23 rebounds, while Caris LeVert added 29 and Isaac Okoro made 4 three-pointers and scored 22.
Is Giannis playing?
Yes, according to Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin. Antetokounmpo was listed as likely to begin the day receiving treatment for a right calf injury he underwent against the Nets. Antetokounmpo went through his usual shootaround and pregame routine in Cleveland on Friday morning. He has played 20 consecutive games, his longest playing time since his 31st consecutive game in the 2020–21 Championship season.
Bucks starting lineup
- Guards: Damian Lillard, Malik Beasley
- Forward: Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Center: Brook Lopez
Bucks injury report
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, probable (treatment for right calf injury)
- Jae Crowder, out (left adductor surgery) Crowder had surgery on November 14th and the initial prognosis was that he could return in about eight weeks. The eight-week mark is Jan. 9, a day of rest before the team returns to action on Jan. 11 at Fiserv Forum against Boston. Crowder began his court work in late November and felt he was on track for his return in January. On Friday, Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin provided the following update: He's close, but he's still a long way from returning. But he's making great progress. Again, it's another guy who's a professional. He takes care of everything he needs on and off the field and intensifies his training. I think he's already done a few sprints today, so he's making great progress. But I don't know exactly when he'll be back.
Cavaliers injury report
- Donovan Mitchell, questionable (illness) The All-Star guard starts for the Cavaliers and gives them a much-needed boost.
- Sam Merrill, questionable (right wrist sprain)
- Darius Garland is out (broken jaw)
- Evan Mobley is out (left knee surgery)
- Ty Jerome is out (right ankle sprain)
- Ricky Rubio is out (not on the team)
Injury-plagued Cavaliers remain tough
Cleveland took care of Milwaukee last season, tying the season series 2-2. And even though the Cavaliers haven't played the way they would have liked this year – and despite some serious injuries to key players – they remain the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference and have won five of their last six games.
Jarrett Allen (18.2 points, 12.5 rebounds per game), Caris LeVert (17.4 points) and Isaac Okoro (14.0 points) have played well during this time. Okoro, in particular, has found his talent for shooting, hitting 42% of his threes since December 16th. This season he is making 37.9% of his three-pointers, the best performance of his career.
Bucks at Cavaliers odds, betting line
The Bucks are 6.5-point favorites and the over/under is 239.5, according to BetMGM.