3 things to watch with Milwaukee Bucks right back in action vs LA Clippers

Is another rest day incoming for the Milwaukee Bucks?

This always feels like a cop-out and I’ve assumed incorrectly a couple of times this season that the Bucks would rest guys on the second night of a back-to-back and they ended up playing everyone but I’m going to keep shooting, dang it!

The Bucks have one more back-to-back after this one when they host the Boston Celtics and then travel to play the Detroit Pistons. That is a much more obvious rest game than this one (let’s be honest, that might be the most obvious rest game of all time), but this one is up there as well.

You beat the Nets and are still a game up on the Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers for second in the conference, the Clippers are also on the second night of a back-to-back (which could mean that George doesn’t play), and they’ve started resting guys already in the last few games since they haven’t been able to do so for much of the season with all of the injuries and illnesses.

Antetokounmpo has remained on the injury report as probable for the last couple of games with his knee soreness so this could be another soreness management game. Brook Lopez hasn’t missed a game since returning. Sure, it’s only been eight games but how comfortable are they with him playing back-to-backs? The same goes for Pat Connaughton and George Hill who recently returned from injury absences.

Bobby Portis has played in 42 straight games as well and maybe a night off will be good for him to get back into his rhythm shooting the ball given his recent slump.

It may not end up happening but there’s always the possibility this late in the season that the Bucks won’t want to push their guys when the goal is to get into the playoffs healthy and defend their title.

Also, if we’re being honest, I’ve missed the “rest all the key players” games and just watching Jordan Nwora and company go out there playing free and loose. I’m a sicko though, so I get why that’s not appealing to everyone.