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Bucks Complete Perfect Homestand: Analyzing the Team’s Recent Success
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket against Philadelphia 76ers center Adem Bona (30). | Michael McLoone/Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
The Milwaukee Bucks have just wrapped up an impressive 4-0 homestand, capping it off with a solid 123-109 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. This stretch of games has provided some valuable insights into the team’s progress as we reach the midpoint of the season.
With a current record of 24-17, the Bucks are on pace for a 48-win season. While this falls slightly short of the 50+ wins many hoped for at the start of the year, it’s important to note the significant improvement from the rocky beginning of the season.
What’s particularly encouraging about this homestand is the manner in which the Bucks secured their victories. They won each game by an average of 19 points, demonstrating their ability to not just win, but to do so convincingly. This is a marked improvement from earlier in the season when even their wins often felt uncertain until the final buzzer.
The Bucks faced some tough opponents during this stretch, including a hot Sacramento Kings team and a defensive-minded Orlando Magic squad that played them close in previous matchups. Their ability to handle these challenges speaks to their growth as a team.
Giannis and Dame: A Dynamic Duo
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard have been instrumental in the Bucks’ recent success. In the game against the Sixers, Giannis put up an impressive double-double with 34 points and 15 rebounds, while Dame closed out the game strong in the fourth quarter where he scored 16 of his 25 points.
What’s particularly noteworthy is how Dame is adapting to the defensive strategies employed against him. Teams are frequently blitzing and trapping him to get the ball out of his hands early. However, Dame is showing increased trust in his teammates, confident that the ball will find its way back to him if he makes the right plays early in possessions.
The chemistry between Dame and Khris Middleton is also developing nicely. Middleton’s playmaking ability and court vision complement Dame’s game well, creating more opportunities for the team as a whole.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Bucks’ recent performance, 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’ offensive and defensive ratings • AJ Green’s injury update and its potential impact • Looking ahead to the upcoming road-heavy schedule before the All-Star break
Jan 17, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) directs the offense as he is defended by Brooklyn Nets forward Tosan Evbuomwan (12) and guard D’Angelo Russell (1) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. | Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
We’re halfway through the NBA season and I’ve seen many of the same points on midseason reports lists. The Sixers being this bad, the Pistons being this good, Russell Westbrook finding such a great fit alongside Nikola Jokic and with the Nuggets — at some point, if we all have the same observations, then we’re not really paying attention.
Not to lean too hard on my own horn, but I thought all these things were going to happen before the season got underway (granted, it does feel excellent that being a perennial Westbrook supporter is paying off). Let’s look instead at some surprises past the surface level of competition this season, into developments and/or plot twists that look like they’ll have a ripple effect beyond the conclusion of this NBA calendar year. We’ll start with two today and get into some others tomorrow.
Leveraging the future for an immediate star
The Suns and Sixers are the obvious examples, but the Warriors, Lakers, Mavericks and Wolves have done this via inaction and slow erosion.
For the Mavs, this season feels like an existential hiccup. Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving settling, seemingly well, into a working routine last season and Dallas was a contender in the West. Where the Mavs have slipped to — injuries aside — does seem to be, in part, in working Klay Thompson into the fold. Thompson has struggled at times to find his shot and his place on the floor, he plays at a pace a lot different than either Doncic or Irving do — his previous, forever point guard in Steph Curry was never as frenetic.
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
Analysis The Bucks’ game against the Sixers showcased Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dominance and highlighted key takeaways such as defensive strategies and player performances. (Brew Hoop)
Analysis Doc Rivers’ comments revealed the impact of a disastrous lineup combination by the Bucks, offering insight into coaching strategies and adjustments. (Behind the Buck Pass)
Trade
As the trade deadline approaches, the Bucks are evaluating potential targets to bolster their roster, focusing on realistic and dream acquisitions. (Bleacher Report)
Trades Jimmy Butler returns to the Heat, says “whole truth will come out” about what’s transpired in Miami (CBS Sports)
Analysis Cooper Flagg, the heralded pick of this year’s NBA Draft, puts exclamation point on his status (The Athletic)
Biz OKC Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault named All-Star coach (ESPN)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Waiver Wire Wonders: Must-Add Players and Surprising Trends in Fantasy Basketball
Jan 7, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) over Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards (4) during the second half at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images | Sam Sharpe/Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
As we dive into the latest fantasy basketball waiver wire trends, some surprising names have emerged as the most added players across various platforms.
Stephon Castle is another intriguing name gaining traction. With Jeremy Sochan sidelined, Castle has seen increased opportunities and has capitalized on them. However, I’m skeptical about his long-term value once the Spurs return to full strength.
Wendell Carter Jr. is an interesting case, as his role could expand with Goga Bitadze out. There’s a good chance Carter retains the starting spot even when Bitadze returns, making him a solid speculative add in deeper leagues.
Nick Richards’ Phoenix Suns’ debut was impressive, so grab him if available, but we should also be on the lookout for an efficiency drop.
Hot Players to Watch
Drew Eubanks has emerged as a surprise contributor, ranking as the 61st best player over the past week. While his value is tied to injuries ahead of him, he’s worth monitoring in case his role expands.
Kel’el Ware is a name to keep an eye on, especially if the Heat continue to play him alongside Bam Adebayo. This lineup change could unlock significant fantasy value for the young big man.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the latest fantasy basketball trends, tune into the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Bucks podcasts.
Identifying the Bucks Remaining Must-Win Games and What to Make of Jimmy Butler Rumors Can the Milwaukee Bucks secure a victory against the Toronto Raptors, or will they face unexpected challenges? As the Bucks navigate the NBA season, fans are eager to see how star players like Jimmy Butler might fit into the mix amid swirling trade rumors.
What makes the Milwaukee Bucks 122-93 victory over the Orlando Magic so important? This episode breaks down the Bucks’ impressive 29-point win, highlighting Damian Lillard’s standout performance and the dynamic chemistry between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton.
The Milwaukee Bucks Snap the Sacramento Kings 7 Game Win Streak Behind Another Giannis Triple-Double Can the Milwaukee Bucks maintain their momentum after a stunning victory over the Sacramento Kings? With Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 50th career triple-double and Damian Lillard’s clutch performance, the Bucks are making waves in the NBA.
