Milwaukee and Atlanta play for the first time since the Emirates NBA Cup Semifinals on Dec. 14.
The Milwaukee Bucks (27-22) are coming off of a win Wednesday that snapped a four-game losing streak, while the Atlanta Hawks’ (23-28) most recent loss drops them to 1-9 over their last 10 games (7:30 ET, League Pass).
Here are five things to know before Friday’s matchup:
1. Kyle Kuzma could make Bucks debut: Kuzma could make his team debut with Milwaukee after reportedly being traded from the Washington Wizards this week. In 32 appearances for the Wizards in 2024-25, the eighth-year forward is averaging 15.2 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 27.7 minutes. Over his last four games, he’s popped for 21.3 points and 6.3 rebounds.
2. A healthy Giannis Antetokounmpo: Antetokounmpo missed the last two games for the Bucks while dealing with minor knee and calf injuries, including being a late scratch ahead of Wednesday’s contest after expecting to play. In his previous five outings, Antetokounmpo averaged 35.0 points, 13.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists while shooting 63.7% from the field.
3. Bobby Portis’ role off the bench: With Khris Middleton reportedly being traded, the Bucks will rely on Portis as the primary scoring option on the second unit. In 24.8 minutes a night, Portis is putting up 13.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and a career-high 2.0 assists. He was instrumental in the Bucks’ win over the Hornets on Wednesday after returning from a six-game absence, finishing with 23 points, 17 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks and a steal.
4. Trae Young heating up for Hawks: Atlanta has struggled recently, dropping 9 of their last 10 games, but Young has been on fire over his last three outings. In those three contests, Young averaged 33.3 points, 12.7 assists and 1.0 steals in 38.3 minutes, including this unreal game-winner with 1.6 seconds left against Detroit on Monday.
5. Dyson Daniels’ improved play: Daniels has been one of the best defenders in the NBA this season, as evidenced by his league-leading 3.0 steals per game, but he’s proving to be a bit more than just that. Over his last three games, the 21-year-old guard from Australia has put up 20.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.3 blocks while shooting 56.4% from the field and 66.7% from 3-point range. He should see the majority of his minutes guarding Damian Lillard, which should be a great matchup in this one.
