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The LA Clippers have to get up for the Milwaukee Bucks

By Ryan Snellings

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 06: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers drives around Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at Fiserv Forum on December 06, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 06: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers drives around Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during a game at Fiserv Forum on December 06, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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The LA Clippers and afternoon games are something that hasn’t mixed well over the past several years. Today, they will host a tough Milwaukee Bucks team.

The LA Clippers have to be ready for the Bucks.

Obviously, the biggest threat will be Giannis Antetokounmpo. The reigning MVP has been on a tear again this season, putting up 28.9 points per game on 55.5% shooting, 11.7 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. Stopping him will be key to the Clippers’ victory.

Kawhi Leonard will most likely get the first defensive assignment to start and should do just fine but the real test for the Clippers’ defense will be their rim protection. Per Andrew Grief of the LA Times:

"Antetokounmpo has shot 76% within that distance, third-highest in the NBA among the 54 players who have averaged at least five shots per game that close to the hoop (within five fee)."

That’s pretty impressive and means both Serge Ibaka and Ivica Zubac will have their hands full. Within that same five-foot range, opponents are shooting 65.4% against Ibaka and 62.9% against Zubac.

Both will have to be careful to not foul Giannis as he attacks the paint as both big men getting into foul trouble could spell trouble for the Clippers who lack any big men outside of those two.

The Clippers will also have to deal with the return of Jrue Holiday who has missed the last ten games for the Bucks due to the NBA’s health and safety protocol.

While it’s probably safe to assume he’ll be on a minutes restriction, it’s still not great for the Clips who will have to deal with one more talented player.

With so much talent on the other side of the court, the Clippers need to make sure they are up and ready for the challenge. Afternoon games have always been a thorn in their side and with a team as good as the Bucks, they cannot afford to come out lethargic, especially in a nationally televised game.

The LA Clippers and Milwaukee Bucks tip at 3:30 PM EST/12:30 PST on ABC.

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