3 keys as Milwaukee Bucks try to extend win streak against Detroit Pistons
The Milwaukee Bucks kicked off the new year on a winning note with a double-digit win to extend their modest streak to six games. They’ll look to remain undefeated in 2022 and go for seven straight wins as they host the Detroit Pistons tonight.
It’ll be the third meeting between the division rivals with the Bucks winning the first two pretty handily. However, as if the Bucks weren’t already going to be heavy favorites, the Pistons are without many key players, including number one overall pick Cade Cunningham (health and safety protocols) and leading scorer Jerami Grant (thumb injury).
The Bucks will also potentially be shorthanded as Khris Middleton (personal reasons) and Donte DiVincenzo (ankle) missed the Pelicans game and could be out again tonight. Regardless, this shouldn’t be a very troublesome game for the defending champs.
Jordan Nwora and Grayson Allen will need to step up for the Milwaukee Bucks
One of the silver linings to the Bucks missing Khris Middleton and Donte DiVincenzo missing any time is that it opens opportunities for others, specifically Jordan Nwora and Grayson Allen.
Nwora has had his best stretch of games this season, but it hasn’t come with consistent playing time. When the Bucks have been close to full health, he’s out of the rotation as head coach Mike Budenholzer appears to have his ten-man rotation somewhat set.
However, he was incredibly efficient against the Pelicans and will likely get another chance to prove he belongs in the rotation tonight if the two rotation regulars are out once again.
The same can be said for Allen, whose best games have come when at least one of the Bucks’ big three are out. He had his best game in a while against the Pelicans and it seems as though he thrives when he’s more involved in the offense as opposed to being limited to a spot-up shooter.
Against a team near the bottom of the standings like the Pistons, it’s a great chance for these two to get back in a rhythm and continue to prove that they should be in a bigger, more expanded role.