The mighty Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks are simply bulldozing their way against the competition. They are number one in the East and co-owners of the best record in the league at 24-3, and have racked up 18-straight victories with an average winning margin of 16 points.

The performance, as a norm in such streaks, has been fantastic across the board. The offense is ranked first in points (121.2 PPG), the defense is first in efficiency and opponent field goal percentage (41.3%), and the chemistry is just off-the-charts.

Starting point guard and defensive ace Eric Bledsoe will be out two weeks with a leg injury, but with reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, two-way swingman Khris Middleton, and a strong supporting cast still on deck, the Bucks will be more than fine.

Milwaukee is 13-1 at home this season.

The Luka-less Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks could be without top MVP candidate Luka Doncic after he suffered a right ankle sprain in the team’s recent game against the Miami Heat. They showcased toughness but ultimately fell in overtime, 122-118. Following the loss, the Mavs moved down to 17-8, which places third in the West.

Should Doncic miss time, the blow will arguably the biggest one team would take today. With averages of 30.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, 9.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 3.2 threes per game prior to getting hurt, most of which are above and beyond the next guy’s stats, he is Mr. Everything to the Mavs.

Kristaps Porzingis, who has put up 21 points and 11 boards in his last two, and Tim Hardaway, who has posted 16.8 PPG on 51.9% shooting ever since earning a starting role (12 games), will be the two Mavericks to watch out for with Luka out.

The Mavs are 9-2 on the road this season.

PREDICTION:

With or without Luka, the Mavs will have a hard time against the Bucks. Giannis and company take this, 118-106.