The Dallas Mavericks head to Milwaukee to face the Bucks on Wednesday, with both teams completing the second game of a back-to-back. The Bucks are coming off a narrow defeat against the Cleveland Cavaliers, losing 111-108, and the Mavs are coming off of a double overtime win in Chicago.
The Mavs look to extend their winning streak to five games, and will need to bring a lot of energy against a young, athletic Bucks squad. Playing off a back-to-back is already tough as it is and coming off of a double overtime game, the minutes will be managed wisely, and the bench will have to play very well.
Another key for the Mavs is to have Devin Harris and J.J. Barea play as well as they both did last night, and the Mavs will need Richard Jefferson, Jae Crowder, Brandan Wright, and even maybe Charlie Villanueva to play well off the bench. The Mavs’ starters will need as much rest as possible and if the bench plays well, the starters will not have as much pressure.
As for the Bucks, Ersan Ilyasova left Tuesday night’s game versus Cleveland with a face injury and is inactive for tonight’s game. Larry Sanders versus Tyson Chandler will be a fun matchup in the paint, and Parsons versus Jabari Parker will be another fun matchup on the wings. Since the Bucks have one of the lowest three-point percentages in the league, they will look to drive to the basket. If the Bucks can refrain from shooting the three, the Mavs have a good chance tonight. As for the Bucks to win, they will need to contain the offense to some level. The Mavs are 0-5 when they score 100 or less, so containing or limiting their offense will be key for Milwaukee.