Milwaukee Bucks Face Tough Stretch

Oct 30, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) is fouled by Washington Wizards guard

(3) in the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Wizards beat the Bucks 118-113. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Milwaukee Bucks @ Washington Wizards

The second game in this key stretch sees the Bucks travel to the nation’s capital.

Washington’s back-court duo of John Wall and Bradley Beal has been every bit as good as advertised. Beal, in particular, has taken a major leap forward so far, posting career highs in points (22.7), field goal percentage (48.6), and three point percentage (47.1 on 5.7 attempts per game).

Beal was the difference maker when these two teams met earlier in the season, posting 14 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter in their 118-113 win in Milwaukee.

Both of these teams match-up pretty evenly on paper. Marcin Gortat is respectable on both ends of the floor and has more than enough size and defensive skill to hassle Greg Monroe throughout.

Khris Middleton matches up well with Bradley Beal, posting a distinct size advantage. Though Middleton has struggled with his shot in the early going this season, his defense has been superb and will need to be if Beal is going to be contained.

The critical match-up in this game will be point guard. John Wall is one the best guards in the game and will pose major issues for the defense if Michael Carter-Williams remains out.

The Bucks haven’t had great rim protection so far this year, and none of their current crop of point guards stand out defensively in the way Michael Carter Williams does. This will be a major problem with Wall’s ability, as he should be able to get the basket at-will and kick it out to Beal when he’s met by the defense.

This game is more than winnable for Milwaukee. However, they’ll need to be better on defense than they were the last time these two teams met.

Next: Game 3: @ Cleveland