Wizards 29-34 vs Bucks 41-24
When: Wednesday, May 5th, at 8p.m.
Where: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
TV: NBCSWA, NBA League Pass / Radio: WFED 1500 AM
Injury
Wizards: Thomas Bryant (Out/ Left ACL Surgery), Deni Avdija (Out/ Right Leg Fracture)
Bucks: Jeff Teague (Out/ Abdominal), Axel Toupane (Out/ Oblique)
Wizards -
115.8 - points per game
118.1 - points against
47.6 - Field Goal %
Bucks -
119.4 - points per game
113.1 - points against
48.5 - Field Goal %
Keep an eye on:
Giannis Antetokounmpo: is improving as a 3-point shooter right before our eyes. I repeat, Giannis Antetokounmpo is improving as a 3-point shooter. That's a SCARY thing for the rest of the NBA. We all know, Antetokounmpo is a FORCE, averaging 28.5 points, 11.1 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.2 steals on 56 percent shooting from the field, however it's his performances in two wins over the Brooklyn Nets leading up to tonight's game against Washington that has raise eyebrows. In Sundays victory over Brooklyn, Antetokounmpo finished with a game high 49 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks on 21-36 shooting from the field and....4-8 from DEEP! Next, in another win over the Nets Tuesday night, Giannis came back with 36 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and knocked down 4-12 from 3-point range. He's more confident than ever and he's becoming more efficient shooting from deep. Every Wizards player that suits up tonight need to have their eyes on Giannis at all times or it will for sure be a loss they can ill afford to have.
Rebounding: will be KEY in tonight's game much more so than normal. Washington comes in 10th in the NBA in rebounds, pulling down 44.9 per game. They face the best rebounding team in the league in the Bucks tonight. Milwaukee averages 48.2 rebounds per game which is tops in the NBA and they're also first in defensive rebounding, grabbing 37.9 boards a game. Washington relies on a fast pace to keep opponents off balance. Yes they run off makes and misses, however, misses are preferred and you can't do that without securing the rebound. Tonight will be a battle inside the paint. Westbrook can't do it all himself, Washington's big's will have to step up greatly.
3-Point Shooting: has been an issue for Washington all season. The Wizards are ranked 24th in the NBA, hitting 35 percent from 3-point range. Milwaukee, comes in second in the NBA in 3-point shooting, knocking down 39 percent from deep. Washington has to run the Bucks off the 3-point line and step up and hit a few, it's no if and's or buts about it or a loss is all but assured.
Perimeter Duel: between Russell Westbrook and Brad Beal against Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton is must see TV. All four are all star caliber talents who do a LOT for their respective teams. Westbrook is a triple double machine, Jrue is a complete guard who just happen to be the best defender in the NBA. Brad Beal has become as complete a scorer the league has to offer and Khris Middleton is three level scorer in his own right. The ultimate chess match we don't get often from multiple positions in the same game.