Camille Davis and Justin Garcia here, the hosts of the daily Locked On Bucks podcast, with your daily Locked On Bucks newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Bucks and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Bucks and Pacers: A Rivalry Renewed
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) and Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) reach for a loose ball in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum.|Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
The Central Division is heating up as the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers prepare to face off once again. Both teams are eager to shake off their slow starts this season, each sitting at 6-9. The Bucks, with a recent upswing, have won four of their last five games, while the Pacers are struggling to find their rhythm. This matchup is more than just a game; it’s a continuation of a budding rivalry that has been simmering since last year’s intense NBA Cup battle.
Bucks’ Slow Start and Recent Surge
The Bucks’ early season struggles can be attributed to a mix of factors, including execution issues and the integration of new players. Despite having a core of seasoned veterans like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Brook Lopez, the team has faced challenges in finding the right chemistry. The addition of players like Taurean Prince, Gary Trent Jr., and Delon Wright has required time for adjustment. However, the emergence of young talents like AJ Green and Andre Jackson Jr. has injected new energy into the team. Green, in particular, has been a revelation, providing much-needed shooting and defensive prowess. His ability to stretch the floor and defend has been crucial in the Bucks’ recent success.
Lillard’s performance has been under scrutiny, with some questioning if age is catching up with him. However, his playmaking ability remains a key asset, and as his shooting touch returns, the Bucks’ offense is expected to flourish. The chemistry between Lillard and Antetokounmpo continues to develop, promising a potent offensive duo as the season progresses.
Pacers’ Offensive Struggles
On the other side, the Pacers are grappling with offensive woes. Last season, they were known for their high-paced, high-scoring games, but this year, their offensive rating has plummeted. Tyrese Haliburton, who was a standout performer last season, has struggled to find his form. His shooting has been uncharacteristically poor, impacting the team’s overall performance. Injuries have also played a significant role in the Pacers’ struggles, with key players like Andrew Nembhard and Myles Turner missing games. The loss of two centers to Achilles injuries has further complicated their lineup, forcing them to rely on smaller lineups that haven’t always been effective.
Despite these challenges, the Pacers have shown flashes of their potential. When Haliburton is on his game, and the team plays with energy and cohesion, they can compete with the best. However, consistency has been elusive, and they need to find a way to replicate their successful outings more frequently.
As the Bucks and Pacers prepare to clash, the stakes are high. Both teams are looking to establish themselves in the division and gain momentum. The rivalry adds an extra layer of intensity, promising an exciting matchup. For more insights and a deeper dive into this rivalry, tune into the Locked On Bucks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Bucks Podcast:
Analysis of the Bucks’ recent winning streak
Impact of AJ Green’s emergence on the team’s dynamics
Discussion on the Pacers’ injury challenges and lineup adjustments
Insights into the Bucks’ defensive strategies against the Pacers
They’ve had close wins, technical wins, nail-biters and blow-outs; they’ve (reportedly) turned down superstars and and currently sit third in the west with a record of 11-5 — In a Western Conference finally coming alive, can the Houston Rockets keep this up?
The Rockets are on pace to tie or surpass the franchise’s win record of 64, set by a team led by James Harden in 2017-2018. It was Harden’s — and all the failed years of being in the running for title contention — ghost that still hung over the franchise as recently as last season, no matter that Harden himself has been part of three different rosters since he sulked his way out of Houston. Everything from the Rockets brand of basketball to the team’s waylaid trajectory back into competition had been set and then upended by him.
It was something of an exorcism then, that Houston handily beat Harden’s current team, the Clippers, in back-to-back games this week.
What feels especially lasting about the winning pace the Rockets have set is that there’s plenty room for the team to improve. Houston’s sitting at 25th overall in field goal percentage, 27th in three-point percentage, and is still claiming the ninth overall offensive ranking in the league. Their starters have all been shooting well below their career bests, and yet, nothing about the Rockets’ wins have looked harried.
For a team that has an average of just four years NBA experience between them, there’s a wealth of patience. When the Rockets have been pressed this season, or teams like the Pacers and Bulls have tried to rush them with pace, they fall back on snapping passes and sinking into ball movement. There are still sequences of ISO ball and flubbed defensive rotations, but Houston has leaned into their transitions as opportunities to reset. No doubt in part to having the always unflappable Fred VanVleet driving this thing, plus the veteran offensive ballasts of Jeff Green and Dillon Brooks.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Preview The Milwaukee Bucks are set to face the Indiana Pacers. Check out the game preview for start time, TV schedule, and injury reports. (Brew Hoop)
Injury Khris Middleton is expected to return next week, providing a significant boost to the Bucks lineup as they aim for a stronger season. (Brew Hoop)
Analysis Is it time for André Jackson Jr. to break the Bucks’ draft curse? Dive into an in-depth analysis of his potential and the team’s drafting history. (Behind the Buck Pass)
Legacy Will NBA expansion bring the SuperSonics back to Seattle? Find out. (The Athletic)
Biz Amid their early-season tank, the Sixers expected to scour the trade market for power forwards. (Real GM)
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Franz Wagner A First Round Fantasy Basketball Player?
Nov 21, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) celebrates with guard Jalen Suggs (4) after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers with a 3-point basket with 2.5 seconds left in the game at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images|Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The Orlando Magic edged out the LA Lakers with a 119-118 victory. The game was a showcase of talent and strategy, with the Magic overcoming a deficit to secure the win. Franz Wagner was the standout performer, continuing his impressive form with a stellar 37 points, six rebounds, and 11 assists. His all-around game, including four steals and four threes, solidified his status as a top fantasy asset. Wagner’s recent performances have elevated him to first-round value in fantasy leagues, making him a potential sell-high candidate, though his current form might make holding onto him equally appealing.
Dalton Knecht’s Role and Performance
Dalton Knecht played a significant role for the Lakers, logging the most minutes on the team. While his 17 points, four rebounds, and one assist were solid, they highlighted the limitations in his fantasy profile. Knecht’s reliance on scoring and shooting efficiency means that while he’s a valuable asset, his contributions in other categories remain limited. Fantasy managers should monitor his role closely, especially as the Lakers adjust their rotations.
Anthony Black’s Consistency Concerns
Anthony Black’s performance was less consistent, with 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists on 25% shooting. While his recent games have shown flashes of potential, this outing underscores the volatility in his production. Fantasy managers who picked up Black for his upside should consider holding him through the Magic’s favourable schedule but remain cautious about his long-term consistency.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Bucks podcasts.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 41 points propel Milwaukee Bucks to victory over the Chicago Bulls The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Chicago Bulls with a dominant performance led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who scored an impressive 41 points, including a staggering 25 in the third quarter alone. Hosts Camille Davis and Frank Madden also discuss Khris Middleton’s anticipated return, as he remains medically cleared but not yet ready to play.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Defense Shines Amidst Offensive Struggles The Milwaukee Bucks have transformed their defense into a powerhouse, ranking 6th in the NBA since November 1st with a 110.6 defensive rating. Yet, their offense lags, sitting at 19th due to injuries and shooting slumps.
Brook Lopez shines as the Milwaukee Bucks find a way to beat the Houston Rockets | Bucks win 101-100 Brook Lopez delivered a standout performance, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a win over the Houston Rockets with 27 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 3 steals. Tune in to uncover the game-changing moments and strategic decisions that defined this thrilling matchup.
