The Milwaukee Bucks are determined to wrap up their three-game, five-day road trip in New York City on a high note, aiming for a positive record. Tonight, they face the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center with tipoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Having split two games with the Knicks, the Bucks (22-8) now confront a depleted Nets (15-15) squad before concluding their road trip in Cleveland on Friday.
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In a previous clash on Nov. 6, the Bucks emerged victorious against the Nets with a scoreline of 129-125. Meanwhile, Brooklyn secured a win against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, setting a new NBA record as the Pistons suffered their 27th consecutive loss.
Despite a short-handed Nets roster, the youthful team managed to keep the game tight, trailing the Bucks 100-92 at the close of the third quarter. Notably, Brooklyn’s resilience was fueled by an impressive 62 points in the paint. Giannis Antetokounmpo showcased an outstanding performance, approaching a triple-double with 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.
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At halftime, Milwaukee led 66-59, courtesy of a stellar 15-point first half by Khris Middleton, who successfully converted 7 of his 10 shots. Brooklyn, utilizing a roster of 12 players, capitalized on scoring 40 points in the paint.
Bucks Bolster Coaching Staff with Trevor Gleeson Appointment
Prior to the game at the Barclays Center, Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin announced a significant addition to the coaching staff — the hiring of Trevor Gleeson. This move comes after the Bucks found themselves without an assistant coach following the unexpected resignation of Terry Stotts just before the regular season commenced.
Gleeson, aged 55, previously collaborated with Griffin in Toronto under Raptors head coach Nick Nurse for the last two seasons. His coaching prowess was evident as he secured five National Basketball League championships (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020) as the head coach of the Perth Wildcats in Australia before making the transition to the NBA. Gleeson, a two-time NBL coach of the year, boasts a coaching career that spans back to 1990, including stints in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) and South Korea.
Griffin, during a pregame press conference, expressed trust in Gleeson’s capabilities, emphasizing his profound understanding of the game. While Gleeson has been keeping tabs on Bucks games, Griffin plans to gradually integrate him into the team, allowing him to become acquainted with the players and the coaching dynamics.
Antetokounmpo’s Availability and Bucks Injury Report
Addressing concerns about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s availability, coach Adrian Griffin confirmed before the game that the star player is ready to take on the Nets. Antetokounmpo had been listed as questionable due to right calf injury management, an issue that surfaced following the Bucks’ loss to the Knicks on Christmas Day. Notably, Antetokounmpo has played in 19 consecutive games, marking his longest stretch since the 2020-21 championship season.
The Bucks’ injury report also includes Jae Crowder, who is ruled out due to left adductor surgery. The starting lineup for the Bucks features guards Damian Lillard and Malik Beasley, forwards Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, and center Brook Lopez.
Nets Injury Report and Lineup Details
On the Nets’ side, Dorian Finney-Smith is listed as questionable with left knee soreness, while Nic Claxton is ruled out due to a left ankle sprain. Additional absentees for the Nets include Spencer Dinwiddie (rest), Cam Johnson (right knee sprain injury management), Lonnie Walker IV (left hamstring strain), and Ben Simmons (left lower back nerve impingement). Despite these challenges, key scorers Cam Thomas and Mikal Bridges will be available, supported by Royce O’Neale, who showcased his three-point prowess against the Bucks in a previous encounter.
Even if Giannis Antetokounmpo is unable to play, the Bucks anticipate leveraging their size advantage with Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis.
As the game unfolds, both teams navigate the challenges posed by injuries and strategic adjustments, setting the stage for an intense battle at the Barclays Center.