3 things to watch in Milwaukee Bucks return against Brooklyn Nets

How much did the rest from the All-Star break help the Milwaukee Bucks?

There has been a lot of basketball played for the Bucks’ key guys in a short amount of time. Some more than others as well.

It may not have played a huge factor, but the allure of the All-Star break and getting that time off is always in a player’s mind as they get closer and closer. It could explain some of the inconsistent performances that led up to the break, but some of it is also fatigue as well.

Middleton not only had the championship run but played Olympic basketball before coming back to the Bucks. The start of his season was interrupted by COVID and other injuries, he just hasn’t been able to find a consistent rhythm. We started to see the old Middleton for a stretch, but he struggled as we got to the break.

Holiday had the same timeline as Middleton but has been fantastic this season. Still, with the heavy workload that he sees at both ends of the floor, it had to have been nice for him to get some time off to rest and recover.

All of the above also applies to Giannis Antetokounmpo, who had a bigger workload than both and had an active role in All-Star weekend.

The overall point is that after an inconsistent first 60 games, this stretch run (against the toughest schedule in the NBA the rest of the way) is very important to get the defending champs playing up to their standard consistently. It will be a challenge with the injuries they’re facing, but as guys return, the Milwaukee Bucks will have to be at their best down the stretch.

It starts tonight against a conference rival that will be more shorthanded and should be an easy win to build confidence.