The Milwaukee Bucks and Dallas Mavericks will meet for the second time this season. Their last bout was a heated one, with the Bucks finally escaping with a 112-109 win as the game came down to the final seconds. Both the teams’ superstars are battling it out in the MVP race. Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s performances will determine which team will walk out with the victory.

With the Bucks’ 32-18 record, they are standing third in the Eastern Conference. However, the Mavericks have just recently caught up in the West and are standing seventh with a 28-22 record. As both these teams face each other after losing in their last game, this will be a way to get back to their winning ways. However, the Mavericks have much more to prove and avenge than the Bucks.

Milwaukee Bucks injury report and lineup prediction

They capped their last meet with the Mavericks off with Khris Middleton’s clutch, three-pointers, and some free throws. However, they just suffered a nail-biting loss at the hands of the Golden State Warriors. They could not match up to Stephen Curry’s 41 point performance.

However, this might have a lot to do with Giannis Antetokounmpo being absent from the lineup because of knee soreness. Unfortunately, his playing status is doubtful for this game as well. So, they will be relying on Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton next, who scored 29 and 28 points in their last game, respectively.

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Holiday will play a vital role in containing Luka Doncic’s offense. If he can manage that, the Bucks have a real chance at winning this game. But he will also have a more offensive load in Giannis’ absence. That is where Middleton comes into the picture. Also, P. J. Tucker is ruled out because of his calf injury.

With that, the predicted lineup would be Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis, Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, and Donte DiVincenzo.

Dallas Mavericks injury report and lineup prediction

The Dallas Mavericks also enter this game with a 102-93 loss against the Houston Rockets. The Mavericks were struggling to get buckets throughout, contrary to John Wall finishing the night with 31 points in his pocket. This ended their five-game winning streak and defeating the Bucks is their shot at redemption.

Without a doubt, Luka Doncic will be leading the way for this intense game. The man speculated to earn the MVP award this season, is averaging 28.6 points and 8.8 assists.

However, Jrue, being one of the best wing defenders in the league, won’t make his job to score any easier. Though the Mavericks still have Kristaps Porzingis to back Luka up, as long as he keeps his momentum. There have been no injuries listed for the Mavericks.

Thus, the predicted lineup would be Luka Doncic, Josh Richardson, Nicolo Melli, Kristaps Porzingis, and Dorian Finney-Smith.

Game prediction

If the reigning MVP stays absent for this game, the Bucks have a bleak chance of coming out of this as winners. Expect Luka Doncic to carry the Mavericks to the finish line first.