3 Bucks’ role players whose minutes could increase down the stretch

3 Bucks’ role players whose minutes could increase down the stretch: Wesley Matthews

Speaking of Wesley Matthews, his minutes are likely to increase as well. Some would argue this point, given that Matthews is currently logging the fewest minutes of his career at 15.5 per game, but something similar happened last year. Matthews logged 20.8 minutes during the 2021-22 regular season but saw 28.8 minutes per game in the postseason. Sure, plenty of that could be due to Khris Middleton’s absence, but Matthews could see a similar uptick this season.

While the aforementioned Crowder will take on the primary wing-defending duties that Matthews did last year, the latter could be used situationally. When Crowder needs a breather or when there are two opposing wing scorers on the floor, Matthews could check-in. Even at 36 years old, he has some fuel left in the tank and provides decent defense. Matthews has somewhat been the team’s forgotten man in the rotation this season, but his importance could surely increase soon.

Circling back to last year’s playoffs, Matthews logged the third most minutes among any Buck, trailing only Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday, per Basketball-Reference. That means he saw more time than Grayson Allen and Pat Connaughton, both of whom have been featured quite heavily in Milwaukee’s rotation this season. Coach Budenholzer recently went with Matthews over Connaughton in the rotation in a matchup with the Boston Celtics, so he may do the same down the line in matchups with elite scoring wings.