Milwaukee Bucks: Next three games will provide pivotal test
By Dalton Sell
Milwaukee Bucks versus Brooklyn Nets, January 18
The Brooklyn Nets have been featured heavily in the news lately following Kyrie Irving’s disappearance and their trade for James Harden. Alongside Kevin Durant, Brooklyn has now pieced together the league’s most top-heavy trio, and whether they will share the court together for the first against the Bucks remains a looming question.
These two teams will square off on MLK Day this coming Monday in a game with a handful of uncertainties surrounding the Nets. The most prominent remains Irving, who has not suited up for the Nets since January 5 due to personal reasons. The NBA is currently investigating videos of Irving violating their COVID-19 protocols, meaning even if he were to return to the Nets ahead of this game, he could likely miss significant time, which would include this marquee matchup.
Another question mark is whether Harden could make his debut for the Brooklyn Nets against the Bucks. The Nets’ next game is Saturday night against the Orlando, and Nets general manager Sean Marks remarked that Harden would be available once all physicals have been passed for those included in the trade.
James Harden will land in Brooklyn today, Sean Marks said.
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) January 14, 2021
He will be available to play when all the players involved in the trade have passed their physicals, Marks said.
Both Durant and Harden are two of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, and that prowess will undoubtedly give the Bucks something to plan ahead for. Furthermore, the Nets are currently fourth in the league in 3-point percentage, which spells trouble for a Milwaukee team whose fatal flaw is defending the long ball.
Although this Brooklyn roster is significantly reshaped, they undoubtedly have several pieces that are not afraid to let it fly from downtown. Some believe these could be the last two teams standing to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals this season, making this game just a preview of what might be yet to come.