NBA 2018-19: Predicted Starting Lineups and Match Prediction - Milwaukee Bucks vs Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards host the Milwaukee Bucks in a matchup between two of the in-form Eastern Conference teams. The Wizards won the earlier match between the two teams 113-106 in the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Milwaukee Bucks are the best team in the NBA right now and have a 37-13 record. They won their last game against another Eastern Conference favorite, the Toronto Raptors. The Bucks are the 2nd ranked team in the NBA in points scored per game and are the league leaders in rebounds per game. They have also been a great defensive side this season and have the best net differential in the league.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been absolutely superb for the Bucks this season. Teams have struggled to cope with his length and athleticism and he has emerged as one of the top contenders for the MVP award.
He is averaging 26.4 points, 12.6 rebounds and 6 assists per game for the season. He led the Eastern Conference in All-Star votes.Khris Middleton is another member from the Bucks who was selected for this years' All-Star game.
The Wizards started the season on a terrible note. They could not find any team chemistry in their plays and were one of the bottom most teams in the Conference. But they have improved significantly in recent matches and have an outside chance of reaching the playoffs. The Wizards have won 6 out of their last 10 matches.
The Wizards have a 22-29 record and are the 10th ranked team in the Eastern Conference. Bradley Beal has been great for them and is averaging 25 points per game for the season.
John Wall is out for the season as he is recovering from a heel injury. Dwight Howard is also not playing this match as he continues his recovery from a back injury.
Here are the predicted starting lineups for the two teams:
Milwaukee Bucks: Eric Bledsoe (PG), Malcolm Brogdon (SG), Khris Middleton (SF), Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF), Brook Lopez (C)
Washington Wizards: Bradley Beal (PG), Tomas Satoransky (SG), Trevor Ariza (SF), Otto Porter Jr. (PF), Thomas Bryant (C).
Match prediction:
The Bucks have been the best team in the NBA this season. The Wizards have improved significantly but they will have their hands full against this Bucks side. The Wizards have been a very poor defensive side and they will find it almost impossible to contain Giannis.
I predict the Bucks to win this match against the Wizards.