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.
Snow and Trade Rumors Swirling Around the Milwaukee Bucks
Jan 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) dribbles against the Utah Jazz during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale/Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Bucks Snowed Out in New Orleans: Game Postponed and Trade Rumors Swirl
The Milwaukee Bucks faced an unexpected challenge as their game against the New Orleans Pelicans was postponed due to severe weather conditions. New Orleans was hit with approximately 10 inches of snow, causing the entire city to shut down. While we in Wisconsin are accustomed to such weather, New Orleans lacks the infrastructure to handle this amount of snowfall.
The Bucks had traveled to New Orleans a day early in anticipation of the storm, but the severity exceeded expectations. The team has been confined to their hotel for three days, unable to practice or conduct their usual pre-game routines. This unexpected turn of events has left tomorrow’s game against the Miami Heat in doubt as well.
As of now, the Bucks are still in New Orleans, struggling to find a way back to Milwaukee. If they can’t leave within the next few hours, it’s likely that tomorrow’s game will also be postponed. The lack of physical activity since Sunday’s game is a significant concern, as the team hasn’t been able to practice or even hold a shootaround.
Trade Rumors Intensify
While the weather disrupts the Bucks’ schedule, trade rumors continue to swirl around the team. The Phoenix Suns recently made a significant move, trading their unprotected 2031 first-round pick for three future first-round picks. This move has fueled speculation about potential trades involving the Bucks, Miami Heat, and Phoenix Suns.
Reports suggest that the Bucks could be part of a multi-team trade that might bring Bradley Beal to Milwaukee. However, such a move would have significant implications for the team’s salary cap and roster construction. The Bucks would need to shed approximately $58 million in salary to make room for Beal’s contract while staying under the second apron of the salary cap.
These rumors have sparked intense discussion among Bucks fans, with many expressing reservations about acquiring Beal. The potential impact on team chemistry and defensive capabilities are primary concerns, especially given the Bucks’ recent improvements on both ends of the court.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Bucks’ situation, tune into the Locked On Bucks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Bucks Podcast:
• Implications of postponed games on the Bucks’ schedule
• Potential makeup dates for postponed games
• The Bucks’ current standing in games played compared to other Eastern Conference teams
Nov 27, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) reacts after scoring a three point basket during the first half against the Miami Heat at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images | Sam Sharpe/Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
Listen, it might not happen. LaMelo Ball currently leads the Eastern backcourt by a billion fan votes, giving him a substantial leg up in the race to be an All-Star starter. But that’s only half the accounting. He’ll have to do better than last year’s seventh-place voting among both media and players to snag himself a spot as a starter, or else his selection falls to the mercy of coaches who have historically valued winning.
But Ball undoubtedly is better than he was last year, or the year before, or even the year before that, when he did make the All-Star game as a reserve in just his second season. Health is a major reason; Ball played just 58 games in those two non-All-Star seasons, and he’s played half that many this year alone.
Is better enough? The progression isn’t linear; Ball has skipped into a whole new chart entirely, leaving behind the constraints of a two-dimensional line graph for a multi-dimensional view. That can confuse people, and confusion breeds distrust. He inspires a special dislike in people who consider themselves real basketball fans. They take the game Seriously and expect Ball to do the same.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Trade The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly considering a trade for a star player from the Suns, but it hinges on a specific condition. This potential deal could significantly impact the team’s roster. (Behind the Buck Pass)
Preview The Heat face the Bucks in Milwaukee at 8:00 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Must Read Mike Shearer of Basketball Poetry takes a look at who actually deserves to be in the 24-man All-Star game based on their season to this point.
NBA Fantasy Basketball Thursday Preview: Injury Updates, Streaming Options, and Key Matchups
Jan 19, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) walks off the court after greeting court-side friends following the victory over the San Antonio Spurs at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol/Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
The NBA slate for Thursday features nine games, including an early start in Paris between the Spurs and Pacers. As we look ahead to the action, there are several key injury updates and streaming options to consider.
In the Spurs-Pacers matchup, Jeremy Sochan is the only player currently on the injury report, with indications he may return. For the Pacers, Aaron Nesmith’s recent return impacts the minutes distribution for players like Bennedict Mathurin and T.J. McConnell. Keep an eye on Stephon Castle as a potential streaming option for the Spurs.
The Blazers-Magic game has a lengthy injury list. For Portland, Deandre Ayton and Anfernee Simons are questionable, while Matisse Thybulle is out. On the Magic side, Jalen Suggs is out, Goga Bitadze is doubtful, and Franz Wagner is questionable to return. This game presents numerous streaming opportunities, with Robert Williams and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope as intriguing options.
Jimmy Butler Suspended
In an unsurprising turn of events, Jimmy Butler has been suspended for two games for missing a team flight. This situation continues to be frustrating for the Miami Heat and fantasy managers alike. With Butler out, look for increased opportunities for players like Caleb Martin and Nikola Jović.
Injury Updates and Streaming Options
As we approach Thursday’s games, it’s crucial to stay updated on injury reports and be prepared for early lineup locks, especially with the Paris game starting at 2 PM Eastern.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Thursday’s NBA action, tune into the Locked On Fantasy Basketball podcast for this and much more.
3peat (ICYMI)
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