Ahead of Monday’s preseason opener, the Milwaukee Bucks will take to the court in front of their fans for Sunday’s open scrimmage at Fiserv Forum.
For the first time since their fourth successive loss in the Conference Finals series with the Toronto Raptors was sealed, the Milwaukee Bucks will take to the court in an NBA arena filled with fans on Sunday afternoon.
The Bucks will be making the short trip to Chicago to play the Bulls in their preseason opener on Monday night, but first, Milwaukee’s players will take part in an open scrimmage at Fiserv Forum at 2pm on Sunday.
More from Bucks News
- Bucks 2023-24 player profile: Can MarJon Beauchamp take a leap?
- Piecing together the Milwaukee Bucks’ dream starting 5 in 5 years
- Predicting Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s 2023-24 stats for the Bucks
- Grade the trade: Bucks land reputable backup guard in swap with Pacers
- New workout video should have Milwaukee Bucks fans excited
The event has become something of an annual staple for Bucks fans, and given that preseason begins so quickly on the tails of this year’s scrimmage, it’s not a stretch to label Sunday’s event as the return of actual Bucks basketball for the new year.
Offering up a first chance to see new signings such as Wesley Matthews, Kyle Korver, Robin Lopez, and Dragan Bender in action, Sunday’s scrimmage offers plenty of intrigue for Bucks fans, and may even provide a couple of early hints about what Mike Budenholzer has in mind for the year ahead.
Wesley Matthews is widely tipped to emerge as the team’s replacement for Malcolm Brogdon in the starting lineup, and there’s always a chance that Sunday will provide a first look at how he meshes with that group.
Of course, there is also a possibility that Budenholzer won’t rely on all of his heavy artillery for Sunday’s exhibition session. As Matt Velazquez of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel outlined, the Bucks have an exceptionally busy preseason schedule this year, and the staggering of minutes across the roster may well begin with the scrimmage:
"“The strategic absences could start Sunday. Last year, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Sterling Brown sat out the open scrimmage nursing minor injuries. There were no disclosed injuries following the Bucks’ three-day training camp in Madison this week, but that doesn’t preclude the potential for players to sit out if needed.”"
Either way, it promises to be a fun appetizer for the season as the Bucks return to action, and should offer up something of a party atmosphere for Milwaukee fans excited for the new campaign.
According to the Bucks’ own press release announcing the scrimmage:
"“The Bucks Open Scrimmage will also feature on-court interviews, appearances by the Bucks Entertainment Network, and fan giveaways and contests throughout the event. Doors will open at 1 p.m. with the scrimmage expected to conclude at 3 p.m.”"
There’s no need for the festivities to stop there, though, as the Bucks have a range of activities ongoing, such as the Halloween themed Fear District at the moment, while the Packers’ game will be screened as they look to move to 4-1 with a win over the Dallas Cowboys.
Tickets for the scrimmage are free and can be redeemed from the Bucks’ website.
So, as if you’re not already excited enough for the return of Bucks basketball, get on down to Fiserv Forum and get set for the start of what will hopefully be a long and successful Bucks season.