At the beginning of the final week of the regular season, two teams already looking toward the offseason face off as the Milwaukee Bucks take on the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday in New York.
It’s the first of two matchups between these teams in the next week, as they’ll reconvene Friday in Milwaukee.
And despite both teams being in positions where losses may be more valuable than wins, both are coming off solid victories.
Milwaukee (31-47) took down the Memphis Grizzlies 131-115 at home on Sunday afternoon, thanks in large part to shooting 16 of 32 on 3-point attempts. It was Milwaukee’s second win in four games.
As he has frequently of late with many key Bucks injured, Ryan Rollins led the way with 24 points on 10-of-16 shooting. Cormac Ryan added 21 points off the bench as he continues to play well on a two-way contract.
“We got new guys in the rotation, myself being one of them. Everybody’s trying to find ways to help each other and help the team win,” Ryan said. “Just trying to be hungry for opportunity, I’m not doing anything different than I have all year.”
Bucks coach Doc Rivers spoke on how these end-of-season games are approached by both the younger and veteran players on his team.
“I know we’re out of the playoffs and all that, but these games are meaningful to a lot of guys,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said. “These are hard games; I was really happy with everybody (Sunday).”
Brooklyn (19-59) defeated the Washington Wizards 121-115 at home on Sunday for its second win in four games, as well, an improvement following a 10-game losing streak.
Nolan Traore led the way with 23 points and seven assists while Jalen Wilson added 19 points. It was the 19-year-old Traore’s career high in scoring.
“(Traore) is a big reason why we won this game, especially towards the end. Even though at times it gets rocky with the amount of games and travel and he’s a rookie, he’s always tried to do the right thing,” Nets coach Jordi Fernandez said. “I’ve always been pleased with his attitude, his work.”
On the injury front, the reports are busy for both squads.
Brooklyn is without Michael Porter Jr. (hamstring) and Danny Wolf (ankle sprain) for the remainder of the season. Nic Claxton (finger sprain), Noah Clowney (ankle), Terance Mann (Achilles) and Ziarie Williams (foot) all missed Sunday’s game and will sit again Tuesday.
Ben Saraf (back tightness) sat out Sunday but is probable for the Nets against the Bucks.
Milwaukee remains without Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee), Bobby Portis (wrist), Gary Trent Jr. (hip) and Kevin Porter Jr. (knee), though none have been officially shut down for the season. Rollins was also deemed out vs. Brooklyn while dealing with a hip strain.
