Milwaukee Bucks: 5 games to circle during first half of 2020-21 season

4. Dallas Mavericks at Milwaukee Bucks, January 15

Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo are two of the league’s brightest young stars, and their matchups are going to be a headliner for years to come. For that reasoning, fans should circle January 15 on their calendars as the Dallas Mavericks will visit the Bucks for a primetime matchup.

As the season approaches in the coming weeks, many have predicted Doncic to dethrone Antetokounmpo as the league’s reigning Most Valuable Player award winner. Justifiably so, as the Slovenian phenom had a sensational sophomore campaign in 2019-20 and is poised to continue his ascension into stardom in year three. One of his biggest admirers has been none other than Giannis, as he had some high praise for the 21-year-old earlier this year as transcribed by USA Today’s Matt Eppers:

"“Talented, really talented. One of the most talented guys I’ve ever played against,” said Bucks star Giannis Antetokoumpo, the 2019 MVP who was named a finalist for this year’s award. “He’s making the whole team better, and he’s going to keep getting better. As long as he’s making his team better, they’re going to be tough to beat.”"

Seeing these two go head-to-head is undoubtedly must-see television in a battle of the league’s rising stars.

To clarify, the Bucks will square off against the Mavericks in the preseason on both December 12 and 14, so this will not be the first time they meet this season, technically. Still, the preseason has a handful of question marks surrounding it and undoubtedly does not hold as much weight as the regular season.