By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
With Giannis Antetokounmpo set to sit out the next game, Goran Dragic is on the opposite track and ready to formally introduce himself to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Dragic, 36, is probable to play against the Detroit Pistons in Little Caesars Arena and possibly try to build some momentum on Monday. Dealing with left knee soreness, the Slovenian point guard was ruled out from all previous games since signing with the Bucks as an unrestricted free agent in early March, one week after being waived by the Chicago Bulls. Over 51 games coming off the bench in the 2022-23 NBA Regular Season, he averaged 6.4 points, 2.7 assists, 1.4 rebounds, 0.2 blocks, and 0.1 steals per contest, but switched focus to Milwaukee and helping in the championship bid.
At the midway point of a four-game road trip, the Freak will instead miss Monday’s game due to right knee soreness but can return to face the Indiana Pacers in Gainbridge Fieldhouse Wednesday. Besides Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday (personal reasons) and Meyers Leonard (left calf soreness) are out as well. However, Jae Crowder (left calf soreness) is considered probable after sitting out the last five games.
Carrying a 53-21 record, the Bucks lead the NBA standings and enjoy an advantage of 1.5 games over the Boston Celtics, following in second place on the overall and Eastern Conference tables. With eight games left on the regular-season schedule, they are on track to clinch home-court advantage throughout the 2023 Playoffs.
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