Milwaukee Bucks vs Los Angeles Clippers: Match Preview and Predictions - 6th November 2019
Match details
Fixture: Milwaukee Bucks vs Los Angeles Clippers
Date & Time: Friday, 6th, November 2019 (10:00 PM ET)
Venue: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA.
Last game results
Milwaukee Bucks (5-2): 134-106 victory over the Timberwolves (Monday, November 4th, 2019)
Los Angeles Clippers (5-2): 105-94 victory over the Jazz (Sunday, November 3rd, 2019)
Milwaukee Bucks Preview
The Milwaukee Bucks have followed up their outstanding regular season last year with a fine 5-2 start so far in 2019-20. They are 2-1 at home and 3-1 on the road, and have won 3 straight games.
The Bucks are being able to replicate their success from last season primarily due to roster continuity. Only Wes Matthews, Robin Lopez and Kyle Korver are new faces, while guard Malcolm Brogdon left via free agency.
It also helps that team star and reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is once again an early candidate for that award.
The Bucks average 121 ppg for second position in the league in that department, and rate in the top 5 in most offensive categories.
Key Player – Giannis Antetokounmpo
Antetokounmpo is averaging 27.7 ppg, 7.4 apg and 14 rpg. He has picked up right where he left off last season when he was named the NBA’s MVP with 27.7 ppg, 5.9 apg and 12.5 rpg.
His numbers last season and now are almost identical. On the road Monday night in Minnesota, Antetokounmpo scored a double-double with 34 points and 15 rebounds.
Bucks predicted lineup
Eric Bledsoe, Wes Matthews, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez
Los Angeles Clippers Preview
The 8th seed in the Western Conference Playoff bracket a year ago, the Clippers are arguably among the favorites to win the NBA title in 2020. They are 5-2 at the moment; 4-0 at the Staples Center and 1-2 on the road.
In their last win, a 105-94 result against the Jazz, Kawhi Leonard once again proved why his signing was monumental in the off-season for the Clippers. He had 30 points and 6 rebounds, leading the way to victory.
Key Player – Kawhi Leonard
Just two seasons ago there was a lot of doubt what the future would hold for Kawhi Leonard. A trade to Toronto in the summer of 2018 and one season of load management leading to an NBA title in 2019 have re-established him as a top player in the NBA.
The NBA Finals MVP for the Toronto Raptors in June’s 2019 final, Leonard is providing his new team with MVP numbers by averaging 29.3 ppg, 5.7 apg and 7.3 rpg. With Paul George recuperating after shoulder surgery in the off-season, the Clippers are Leonard’s team to lead and he has not disappointed yet.
Clippers predicted lineup
Patrick Beverley, Landry Shamet, Ivica Zubac, Patrick Patterson, Kawhi Leonard
Bucks vs Clippers Match Prediction
This contest could well be a preview of the 2020 NBA Finals, as both teams represent the class of the NBA in talent. Will Clippers head coach Doc Rivers ask Leonard to lock up Antetokounmpo at the defensive end of the court? When he did so in the 2019 NBA ECF, Antetokounmpo was ineffective against the Raptors.
Antetokounmpo’s penetration and drives open up space for 3-point shooters, and the Bucks hoist about 44 3’s per game and make 35.2% of the time. The Bucks also score 121.3 ppg, rated 2nd in the NBA, while the Clippers defensively give up just 107.3 ppg.
The hosts have both Leonard and Lou Williams averaging over 20 ppg, while Montrezl Harrell is a shade under at 19.3 ppg. The Clippers use their deep roster well, as 10 players play at least 15 mpg.
Both of these teams are coming into this contest on winning streaks, but expect the Clippers to defend their homecourt on Wednesday night.
Where to watch Bucks vs Clippers?
The Warriors vs Rockets contest Wednesday can be seen on ESPN and FSWI, and it can be streamed live with the NBA League Pass online.