Game Preview
The Milwaukee Bucks (17-15) enter Saturday's matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers (11-22) riding a slight wave of momentum. Over their last 20 games, the Bucks have won 13 times, posting an impressive 65% win rate. Their offense has been firing on all cylinders, averaging a robust 114.4 points per contest while shooting a shade above 48% from the field and hovering around 41% from beyond the arc.
Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers have struggled to find consistency, winning just 30% of their games over the same stretch. Their offensive numbers reveal the root cause, with Portland averaging a pedestrian 108.8 points on just under 45% shooting from the floor and a meager 34% clip from three-point range. The Blazers' defense has also been a liability, surrendering 119 points per game over the last 20 contests.
Recent form favors the Bucks as well. Over their previous 10 games, Milwaukee boasts a 60% win rate compared to just 30% for Portland. The Bucks have been slightly more efficient offensively, averaging 110.8 points on 47.3% shooting, while the Trail Blazers have mustered 110.8 points on a less impressive 46.9% mark from the field.
One area where Portland could find an edge is on the glass. The Blazers have outrebounded opponents by a slim margin over the last 10 games, grabbing nearly 44 boards per contest compared to Milwaukee's 43.6. However, the Bucks have taken better care of the basketball, committing just 14 turnovers per game versus Portland's 15.1 giveaways.
While the season-long numbers are closer, recent trends point firmly toward a Milwaukee advantage. The Bucks have found their groove, winning at a torrid pace behind an efficient offense that spaces the floor. Portland, on the other hand, has struggled to string wins together, plagued by defensive lapses and an inability to consistently generate quality looks. If these patterns hold true, Milwaukee should have the edge at home against the reeling Trail Blazers.