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The Golden State Warriors will be heading on the road to Wisconsin to face the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Tip-off between the two teams is set for 7:30 p.m. EST.
Golden State comes into this game winning three of the five games so far in December. Most recently beating the Boston Celtics 123-107. That was at home though, their road record this season is an abysmal 2-11, so heading on the road could be an issue for them against the Bucks as it starts a six game road streak.
The Bucks have won four of their six games so far to start December, but they most recently lost 97-92 to the Houston Rockets. Khris Middleton exited that game with an ankle sprain and is probable for tonight. Jrue Holiday is also questionable with an illness. Luckily, Giannis Antetokounmpo is still healthy and ready to go for this matchup.
How Golden State Can Win: With Holiday potentially out, Antetokounmpo will have to step up more than usual. The Bucks are coming off a sloppy game against the Rockets where they committed 16 turnovers. The defense hasn’t been great for the Warriors this season, as they rank 23rd in points allowed and 25th in rebound rate. Yet, if they can be in the right place at the right time if the Bucks play sloppy again, they could capitalize just as the Rockets did and get the ball in the hands of their powerful offense. Stephen Curry leads the team with 30 points per game, and Jonathan Kuminga is stepping up as well, shooting 77% from the field and averaging 16 points per game.
How The Bucks Can Win: The calling card for Golden State has been their offense, but for the Bucks it has been their defense. Milwaukee ranks second in points allowed and have been great at securing rebounds. They will need to slow down the Golden State offense, while setting up scoring opportunities for Antetokounmpo who is averaging 31 points per game. With Andrew Wiggins out, the Warriors will have a hard time guarding Antetokounmpo, and he should take over the game.
Score Prediction: Milwaukee Bucks- 124, Golden State Warriors- 118
After a game in which they went 12-of-43 from beyond the arc, the Bucks will bounce back on offense as the Warriors defense without Wiggins will struggle. Curry and the Warriors will put up points, but in the end their road struggles will continue.