Third Quarter Report
The Bucks and Hornets have turned up for the game, but their offenses have not. Bucks now lead the Hornets 99-63. The Bucks suffered a significant blow to their ego last Thursday, so a victory here would be a welcome boost.
The Bucks came into the game with three consecutive defeats and are well on their way to make it four. Can they turn things around, or will the Hornets deliver another defeat? Only time will tell.
Who’s playing?
Charlotte Hornets at Milwaukee Bucks
Current Records: Charlotte 10-40, Milwaukee 33-19.
Watch on Friday, February 9, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET.
•Where: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
•TV: Bally Sports SE Charlotte
• Follow: CBS Sports App
•Online: fuboTV (free trial). (Regional limitations may apply.)
•Ticket price: $39.00.
What to Know:
The Hornets have had a three-game homestand, but they will soon have to dust off their road clothes. On Friday, at 8:00 p.m. ET, they will play the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Given that both teams lost their last game, they are both a bit more motivated for this one.
The Hornets had a difficult season last year, and things haven’t gotten any easier since. Toronto defeated them 123-117. The Hornets have now lost two games in a row by precisely six points.
Despite a strong performance by Miles Bridges, who shot 6 for 11 from beyond the arc and finished with 45 points and 7 assists, the Hornets lost. In fact, it is the most points Bridges has scored this season. Less helpful to the Hornets was PJ Washington’s 0-for-5 three-point shooting.
Meanwhile, the Bucks’ recent struggles continued on Thursday with their third consecutive loss. Their heartbreaking 129-105 loss to Minnesota may remain with them for a while. The Bucks were behind 102-75 at the conclusion of the third quarter, which was too much to overcome.
Despite the loss, the Bucks had good performances from AJ Green, who went 7 for 8 from outside the arc for 27 points and three assists, and Jae Crowder, who scored 21 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Green didn’t contribute much to the Bucks’ cause against the Suns on Tuesday, but the same cannot be said about this game.
Charlotte’s record fell to 10-40 with the loss, their ninth in a row at home. That low result might be attributed to the team’s weak offensive output throughout that period, when they averaged just 106.4 points per game. Milwaukee has not been sharp lately, as the club has lost five of their past six games, putting a hole in their season record of 33-19.
The amount of possessions is expected to play a significant role in this battle. The Hornets have had a low turnover rate this season, averaging 12.9 per game. However, the Bucks haven’t had much trouble with turnovers, averaging just 12.5 per game. Given their respective skills, it will be intriguing to observe how their confrontation plays out.
Given the 14-point margin, the Hornets must be aware that they have an uphill climb. This is their 12th consecutive game as underdogs (they are 4-7 against the spread during this period).
Odds
Milwaukee is a 14-point favorite over Charlotte, according to the most recent NBA odds.
The oddsmakers had a strong feel for the line in this one, as the Bucks entered as a 14.5-point favorite.
The over/under is set at 231 points.
SportsLine’s powerful computer model provides NBA selections for every game, including this one.
Series History
Milwaukee has won six of their previous ten games versus Charlotte.
• Milwaukee 130 defeats Charlotte 99 on November 17, 2023.
•Milwaukee 124 defeats Charlotte 115 on January 31, 2023.
•Charlotte 138 defeats Milwaukee 109 on January 6, 2023.
•Milwaukee 105 against. Charlotte 96 on December 3, 2022;
• Milwaukee 130 vs. Charlotte 106 on February 28, 2022.
•Charlotte defeated Milwaukee 99–103 on January 10, 2022.
•Charlotte defeated Milwaukee 106–114 on January 8, 2022.
•Milwaukee 127 vs. Charlotte 125, December 1, 2021.
•Milwaukee 114 against. Charlotte 104 on April 27, 2021;
•Charlotte 127 vs. Milwaukee 119 on April 9, 2021.
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