Utah Jazz vs Milwaukee Bucks: Match Preview and Predictions - 25th November 2019
Match details
Fixture: Utah Jazz vs Milwaukee Bucks
Date & Time: Monday, 25 November 2019, 8:00 PM ET
Venue: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
Last game result
Utah Jazz (11-5): 128-120 win over the New Orleans Pelicans (23 November, Saturday)
Milwaukee Bucks (13-3): 104-90 win over the Detroit Pistons (23 November, Saturday)
Utah Jazz preview
Things looked great for the Utah Jazz as they rushed their way to an 8-3 record in the association by mid-November and beat some credible contenders in the form of the Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers in the process. However, then came a reality check when Quin Snyder's team dropped two games on the trot to rather less favored teams in Memphis Grizzlies and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Donovan Mitchell and co., however, used the same as a wake-up call and won three straight since then. Mitchell, in particular, has been on an absolute tear, averaging 31 points per game in his last three outings. However, Rudy Gobert could miss the game with an ankle issue which certainly doesn't help.
Key player - Bojan Bogdanovic
Bojan Bogdanovic joined the Jazz in free agency earlier in the summer and hasn't looked back since. At 20.7 points per game, Bogdanovic is not only averaging his career-high scoring numbers, but he's also Utah's most reliable option from beyond the arc, making his treys at an accuracy of 44.7%.
It was the Serbian's 33-point outing that downed the Bucks the last time these two sides met and with Mitchell bound to receive more defensive attention, Bogdanovic could make all the difference.
Jazz predicted lineup:
Mike Conley, Donovan Mitchell, Royce O'Neale, Bojan Bogdanovic, Tony Bradley
Milwaukee Bucks preview
Mike Budenholzer's side have continued on their exploits from last season and remain a force to be reckoned with in the East. Barring the Khris Middleton injury, things simply couldn't be brighter. The Bucks have won seven straight games, Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to absolutely bulldoze opponents, and the recent slip-up from the Boston Celtics means that the Bucks now again find them atop the Eastern Conference rankings.
Having said that, it was Utah who inflicted Milwaukee's last defeat. Giannis still had 30 points in that game but was inefficient from the field by his usual standards and even fouled out. The confidence is surely running high for the Bucks but it wouldn't hurt them to be a bit cautious going into this fixture.
Key player - Giannis Antetokounmpo
While he certainly has a lot of help, it still goes without saying that Giannis Antetokounmpo carries the Bucks franchise. The reigning MVP has only gone on to improve his numbers from last season and is averaging 29.9 points and 13.9 rebounds per game, both of which are career-highs.
With the possibility of Rudy Gobert missing the game due to injury, Giannis could well and truly dominate the paint as he loves to against the Jazz, a luxury he wasn't afforded the last time the two sides met.
Bucks predicted lineup:
Eric Bledsoe, Wesley Matthews, Donte DiVincenzo, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez
Jazz vs Bucks match prediction
On paper, it seems like either team could come up trumps in this inter-conference match-up. However, the possible absence of Rudy Gobert seriously tips the odds in the Bucks' favor. Utah is only ranked 22nd in offensive ratings and defense has been the identity of the team.
However, without the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, it becomes a seriously difficult proposition for Quin Snyder's side to contain Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks who have been in red-hot form. The fact that the Bucks will be hosting the game also adds to their advantage.
Where to watch Jazz vs Bucks
The game will be nationally televised on NBA TV. However, local coverage of the game can also be seen on AT&T Sportsnet and FOX Sports Wisconsin. You can also live stream the game via the NBA League Pass.