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.
Was the Milwaukee Bucks’ Loss to the Portland Trail Blazers a Wake-Up Call?
Jan 28, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard (0) walks off the court after the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images | Soobum Im/Soobum Im-Imagn Images
Bucks Stumble in Portland: Analyzing a Tough Loss and Khris Middleton’s Struggles
The Milwaukee Bucks’ road trip hit a major speed bump in Portland, as they suffered a disappointing loss to the Trail Blazers. This game was reminiscent of last year’s defeat in Portland, but with an even more bitter taste. The Bucks struggled to find their rhythm, particularly in the second half, and were unable to mount a comeback against a determined Blazers squad.
One of the most glaring issues for the Bucks was their inability to stack defensive stops. Every time Milwaukee scored, Portland seemed to have an answer, making it impossible to erase the deficit. The point of attack defense, which had been a problem in the previous game against the Clippers, continued to be a weak spot. The Blazers’ offense dictated the flow of the game, and the Bucks’ defense offered little resistance.
While the offense wasn’t completely stagnant, scoring 112 points, it lacked the fluidity and ball movement we’ve come to expect from this team. The iso-heavy approach made it difficult for players to get into a rhythm, and the lack of touches for some key players was evident.
The real incentive to win in this year’s All-Star Game? Pride
Feb 18, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Western Conference guard Stephen Curry (30) of the Golden State Warriors talks with forward Kevin Durant (35) of the Phoenix Suns and forward LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers before the 73rd NBA All Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. | Kyle Terada/Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
I don’t spend that much time thinking about the NBA All-Star Game, or what’s reportedly ailing it. It’s like getting into a serious argument about the artistic merits of Marvel movies with another adult. They might entertain you and me, because they appeal to our sense of nostalgia (and the buying power within), but they’re made for kids.
With that out of the way, I do have a mild, hopeful prediction for this year’s game.
The last best All-Star Game I watched was in Chicago in 2020, and it was made that way because Kyle Lowry took three charges. Three charges! Many people were annoyed by it, namely LeBron James and James Harden who were at the other end of Lowry’s talents (the third was Kawhi Leonard, who was unbothered), but it was an injection of competitive spirit into a game that can get flat, fast.
It was also an anomaly. Not for Lowry (asking Lowry not to take charges would be like telling Steph Curry not to take threes), but for the game itself. A funny little hiccup that every player on the floor reacted to, whether they liked it or not. In their annoyance, James and Harden dug in, in their ability to cause annoyance and get under their rivals skin, Lowry’s ‘Team Giannis’ did the same. The crowd was engaged, excited, and that rare tendril of collective awareness in witnessing something unique happening ran through it.
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
Replay In a thrilling matchup, the Bucks faced the Trail Blazers. Key moments included Giannis and Dame showcasing their skills. Anfernee Simons and Deni Avdija also had standout performances. (Brew Hoop)
Analysis A deep dive into the Bucks’ recent ugly loss to the Trail Blazers reveals frustrating reasons behind the defeat, highlighting defensive lapses and lack of execution. (Behind the Buck Pass)
Fans The Blazers’ blowout win over the Bucks shocked NBA fans, especially with Damian Lillard’s return to Portland. The game elicited strong reactions from the fanbase. (Bleacher Report)
Ranking A comprehensive ranking of NBA players most likely to be traded includes potential candidates from every team, providing a detailed analysis ahead of the trade deadline. (Bleacher Report)
Playoffs 10 NBA playoff contenders: How to fix the most unbalanced teams. (ESPN)
Trades The Toronto Raptors are “holding a lot of cards” ahead of the NBA trade deadline. (SportsNet)
Feel Good Former NBA star Isaiah Thomas scores 40-points in return to G League. (NBA.com)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Sell High Opportunities in Fantasy Basketball: Zion Williamson and More
Jan 27, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) has a rebound bounce of his head against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images | John E. Sokolowski/John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Fantasy basketball is all about maximizing value, and one of the best ways to do that is by identifying sell-high opportunities. Today, I’m diving into some players who are currently performing above expectations, presenting a prime chance to trade them for potentially higher long-term value.
Zion Williamson is the first player on our radar. The New Orleans Pelicans star has been on fire lately, ranking as the 15th best player in category leagues over the past two weeks. He’s averaging an impressive 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, with 2 blocks per game. However, there are reasons to be cautious about his sustained production.
Williamson’s current 62% field goal percentage and 41% usage rate are likely unsustainable. While his defensive numbers have improved, there’s always the lingering injury risk to consider. If you can get a top-40 player in return for Zion, it might be worth pulling the trigger.
Deni Avdija: A Surprising Surge
Another player experiencing a hot streak is Deni Avdija of the Portland Trail Blazers. Over the last two weeks, he’s been the 54th ranked player in category leagues, averaging close to 40 fantasy points per game. His recent stat line of 19 points, eight rebounds, and five assists with two steals is impressive, but there are signs that this level of production may not last.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Bucks podcasts.
Takin’ Care of Business: Bucks Big 3 show up in a big way against the Jazz With a victory over the Utah Jazz, the Milwaukee Bucks showcased their offensive prowess, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton who combined for 92 of the Bucks 125 points.
The Bucks Start a 4-Game Road Trip by Getting Clipped in California Can the Milwaukee Bucks bounce back after their recent loss to the LA Clippers? With star players like Khris Middleton and Gary Trent Jr. in the spotlight, the Bucks’ performance is under scrutiny. This episode breaks down the Bucks’ game against the Clippers, highlighting key moments and player dynamics.
Despite travel woes, the Bucks win their fifth straight game with a 29-point victory over the Heat Camille Davis and Frank Madden break down Damian Lillard’s near triple-double performance and the crucial contributions from bench players such as Gary Trent Jr. The discussion also highlights Giannis Antetokounmpo’s ninth consecutive All-Star selection and Andre Jackson Jr.'s entry into the NBA Dunk Contest.
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