Taylor Bicht
2 min read • February 02, 2023
Posted in
Two heavyweights from each conference will face-off in primetime as Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks will look to extend their 5-game win streak as they face a hot Los Angeles Clippers team that has won 6 of the last 7 games.
With NBA lineups constantly changing daily due to injuries and load management, both teams will have the luxury of rocking with all their stars Thursday night.
For the second straight year the Clippers have either dealt with injuries or load management with both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George (hamstring) but have achieved an effective 29-25 record good for 4th in Western Conference.
Leonard has played in 28 of a possible 54 games in first season back after missing the entire 2021-2022 season due to a torn ACL. The San Diego State product has averaged a solid 31.6 minutes per game this year while finally finding his offensive form in January scoring 24+ in every game.
Injury issues have once again plagued George with the hamstring issue costing him seven games in January and more earlier in the year due to the second absence being a re-aggravation. The star has missed just one game in the Clippers last 7 averaging a solid 23 points per game.
Power forward Marcus Morris will return to the lineup after a four game absence due to a rib issue. Big chance the Clippers limit his minutes in his first game back.
The Bucks are once again cruising through the regular season boasting a solid 34-17 record which sits them second overall in the Eastern Conference.
All eyes are on the injury report when Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed but the stud has played through a knee issue and is officially listed Probable for tonight’s ball game. Expect usual production and minutes for the six time all-star.
Khris Middleton has missed the majority of the season due to offseason wrist surgery and then knee issue but has played well of late as the Bucks slowly increase his minutes.
The forward scored 18 in the Bucks most recent matchup, his most points since returning from the knee injury.
Sixth man extraordinaire Bobby Portis will continue to miss time due to an MCL sprain leaving extra minutes for Jordan Nwora and Joe Ingles.
Ivica Zubac U8.5 Rebounds
The Clippers center is a viable source of boards on most night ls but will face a healthy starting Bucks front court and although Portis is out he is relied on more for points than boards. Expect the big-man to have issues grabbing 9+ plus boards tonight against the Eastern Conference giants.
Written by Taylor Bicht
