Milwaukee Bucks: 3 keys to victory when hosting Cleveland Cavaliers

Third key – The Milwaukee Bucks being able to slow down Collin Sexton

While the Bucks are eager to see how Antetokounmpo will feel going into Saturday night’s game, the Cavaliers know a thing or two about being banged up.

Cleveland will be without numerous starters and rotation players such as Dante Exum, Darius Garland and Kevin Love and as The Athletic’s Chris Fedor relayed, their leading scorer early on this year, Collin Sexton, is questionable with a sprained ankle.

Having already missed the Cavs’ win over the Grizzlies, Sexton has gotten off to a remarkable start to his third NBA season. The young guard is averaging 25.1 points on .531/.516/.829 shooting splits, along with 3.5 assists and 2.1 rebounds in his eight appearances on the year.

Sexton’s size, speed and fearless driving will be key to stop for the Bucks, especially after having trouble slowing the Utah Jazz’s backcourt of Mike Conley, Donovan Mitchell and sixth man Jordan Clarkson, who all combined for 75 of the Jazz’ 131 points Friday night. Sexton is already a prolific driver in the paint as he’s averaging 15.6 drives per game and is converting 52.5 percent of his scoring opportunities on such plays.

If Sexton should give it a go, Holiday will have the lion’s share of responsibilities of defending the Alabama product. As accomplished of a scorer as Sexton has developed into being, Holiday may be able to give more than Sexton can handle and especially with his ankle injury in mind.

The Bucks’ first meeting with the Cavaliers will tip off at 7 p.m. central time Saturday night at Fiserv Forum. You can catch the action on Fox Sports Wisconsin or on NBA League Pass for those out of the area.