The Nuggets are looking to sweep the season series against the league-leading Bucks, who have lost three of their last four and will be without the injured Giannis Antetokounmpo.

HOME TEAM: Denver Nuggets (42-21, 24-8 at home)

The Nuggets are on a very shaky stretch as they are only 4-5 over their last nine games. On Saturday, they were upset by the Eastern Conference-bottoming Cleveland Cavaliers, 104-102.

The good thing, though, is that they have some mental edge on the Milwaukee Bucks. They won the first match-up while on the road, 127-115, through an excellent display of offense. It featured arguably the most balanced offensive performance in recent memory as every Nugget that entered the floor scored in double figures.

Another interesting note in that victory is that starting point guard and number two scorer, Jamal Murray, wasn’t even around due to an injury. He’ll be available tomorrow and he’s averaging 21.8 PPG since returning.

ROAD TEAM: Milwaukee Bucks (53-11, 25-8 on the road)

The Bucks have dropped three of their last four games, and it may get uglier for at least the next week. Giannis Antetokounmpo missed Monday’s 140-131 loss to the Phoenix Suns and is also questionable for tomorrow because of an ailing knee.

Without The Greek Freak, the Bucks defense suffered and gave up 106 combined points to Devin Booker, Aron Baynes, Mikal Bridges, and Ricky Rubio, who also tallied a triple double.

As expected, Khris Middleton and Eric Bledsoe will be filling the offensive void left by Giannis. In a losing effort versus the Suns, the two had 39 and 28 points, respectively.

Middleton (24 PTS, 9 AST) and Bledsoe (15 PTS, 7 AST) were also the second and third scorers in the defeat during the first meeting with the Nuggets (behind Giannis). 

With that, the rest of the team will simply have to step up. Big man Brook Lopez is the reliable fourth scorer for most of the season so may continue getting more opportunities. He chipped in 18 points against Phoenix.

PREDICTION:

The Nuggets should be able to take advantage of the shorthanded and possibly drained Bucks, who are on the second game of a back-to-back. Denver’s altitude might have an effect as well.

I see the Nuggets taking this, 116-108.