Utah Jazz vs. Milwaukee Bucks Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 7th 2024
Preview and Prediction
The Milwaukee Bucks are off to a 1-6 start this season, but they are not hitting the panic button just yet. They still have hope to turn things around as they prepare to face the Utah Jazz at home on Thursday night.
The Bucks have suffered back-to-back losses against the Cleveland Cavaliers, with their most recent defeat being a close 116-114 game on Monday night. Despite strong performances from Damian Lillard and Bobby Portis, Milwaukee was unable to secure a win and has now lost six consecutive games.
However, Bucks coach Doc Rivers remains positive and believes his team is staying upbeat despite the losses. He knows that no one wants to lose, but he is focused on taking it one game at a time and believes that a few wins in a row can turn things around for the team.
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There is some uncertainty surrounding the availability of star player Giannis Antetokounmpo for Thursday's game. He missed Monday's game due to a right adductor strain and is currently listed as questionable for Thursday's matchup. Rivers is hopeful that Antetokounmpo will be able to play after having an extra night of rest.
The Utah Jazz also have a 1-6 record, but their losses have come in a different fashion. They started the season with six consecutive losses before finally securing a win against the Chicago Bulls on Monday night.
Keyonte George had a standout performance for the Jazz, scoring a career-high 33 points and dishing out nine assists. John Collins also had a strong game off the bench with a double-double of 28 points and 13 rebounds.
Jazz coach Will Hardy is proud of his team for sticking together despite their tough start to the season. They have also been dealing with injuries, including forward Lauri Markkanen who has missed the past three games with low back spasms. His status for Thursday's game is still uncertain.
Rookie Kyle Filipowski has stepped up in Markkanen's absence and has been averaging 7.0 points and 5.3 rebounds in his past three games. Collins believes that the Jazz have a strong team spirit and can rely on anyone to step up and contribute when needed.
Unfortunately, the Jazz suffered another injury on Wednesday as forward Taylor Hendricks underwent surgery to repair a fractured right fibula and dislocated ankle. He sustained the injury during a game against the Dallas Mavericks on October 28th.
Despite their struggles, both teams are determined to stay positive and not get too high or too low. They know that there is still a long season ahead and are focused on taking it one game at a time.
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"Jazz F Taylor Hendricks (leg) has surgery, ending season"
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Utah vs. Milwaukee Recap JAN 8TH 2021
Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded 30 points and 10 rebounds to help the Milwaukee Bucks register a 114-102 win over the visiting Utah Jazz on Monday night.
Malcolm Brogdon added 21 points for the Bucks, who won for the 10th time in their past 12 games. Brook Lopez contributed 15 points and eight rebounds, Thon Maker also scored 15 and Khris Middleton had 14 points and seven rebounds as Milwaukee defeated Utah for the second straight time after losing the previous seven meetings.
Donovan Mitchell scored 26 points for the Jazz but missed all five shots while going scoreless in the fourth quarter. Rudy Gobert added 14 points and 15 rebounds, Jae Crowder and Derrick Favors scored 12 points each and Raul Neto had 10 points.
Utah point guard Ricky Rubio scored nine points on 4-of-5 shooting in the first 4:37 before exiting the contest with a hamstring injury.
Milwaukee shot 46.9 percent from the field, including 9-of-26 from 3-point range.
The Jazz shot 41.9 percent and were 14-for-38 from behind the arc. Mitchell made a season-high six 3-pointers.
The Bucks outscored Utah 31-16 in the fourth quarter and concluded the game with a 12-3 run. Lopez buried his third 3-pointer of the game to give Milwaukee a 112-101 lead with 2:20 remaining to effectively put the Jazz away.
Utah led by four points at halftime and started the third quarter with a 9-2 run to open up a 71-60 lead.
The Bucks fought back and Brogdon's back-to-back baskets capped an 8-0 push that gave Milwaukee an 81-80 lead with 2:40 left in the third quarter. Utah held an 86-83 lead entering the fourth quarter, but the Bucks moved ahead 95-92 on Antetokounmpo's three-point play with 8:24 remaining in the contest.
Middleton's three-point play gave Milwaukee a 100-94 lead with 6:06 left. After the Jazz cut the margin to three, Brodgon drained a 3-pointer and Antetokounmpo delivered a dunk to give the Bucks a 107-99 advantage with 3:41 left.
Mitchell scored 15 first-half points as Utah took a 62-58 lead into the break. The Jazz shot 56.5 percent from the field while taking a 34-31 first-quarter lead.
Milwaukee held a 49-48 edge after Middleton's basket with 5:17 left in the half. Utah answered with a 12-4 surge, taking a 60-53 lead on Mitchell's 3-pointer with 1:41 remaining.