NATE WOLTERS
Nate Wolters was given a much deserved start as Larry Drew tried to match the 3 guard lineup of Orlando. Ideally you want a guy who plays 40+ minutes to score more than 8 points, but Wolters was still effective as he dished 9 assists to go with 7 rebounds. It’s worth mentioning that Luke Ridnour did not play in this game and that’s absolutely okay.
LARRY SANDERS
For the 2nd game in a row, the LARRY SANDERS from last season started at center. Using his energy to hawk the ball with 9 rebounds, 4 steals, and 4 blocks to compliment his 10 points. This is the type of play that earned him his contract.
CARON BUTLER
It’s always a bonus when Caron Butler can score in double digits. I expected him to average around 10 points a game when he was brought in from Phoenix, and on the season he’s averaging 10.8, but he never seems to have an impact on the game unless it’s his bobble head night. Friday night was no different. 20 points, 4 rebounds in a lopsided loss.
GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO
The “Greek Freak” found himself out of the starting lineup for the first time since his first start December 19th. It’s tough to tell whether it was due to his dip in production or simply Larry Drew looking for a better match up. Either way, it didn't really matter for Giannis as he still got his minutes and made them count with 15 points and 7 rebounds.
BRANDON KNIGHT
If Brandon Knight has had a downfall this season it has been his lack of consistency. He can roll off games of 25+ points, but then turn in sub par game both offensively and defensively. This Milwaukee Bucks team relies quite a bit on Knight to pace the offense and set the tone on defense and Brandon did not do either of those things on Friday.
KHRIS MIDDLETON
Khris Middleton has been plagued by poor decisions leading to turnovers as of late. You could argue that the entire Bucks team as a whole has been plagued by poor, lazy passes that lead to layups/dunks for the other team. It’s important to remember that a majority of this Buck’s team is young; Middleton only in his 2nd year so there will be a fair amount of growing pains. Friday night’s game shouldn't take away from the impressive season Middleton has had so far.
GARY NEAL
Played 24 minutes. Meh.
ERSAN ILYASOVA
Ilyasova shot well from beyond the arc on Friday night. He was 1 of 4 Bucks starters to score 10 points. Not at least 10 points. 10 points TOTAL. All 4 of them. Ugh. Playing only 20 he managed to score 10 points and grab 6 rebounds. For a guy that gets consistent minutes, it’s tough to see a role on this Bucks team moving forward for Ersan Ilyasova. Could he be moved before the trade deadline?
MIROSLAV RADULJICA
Mirolsav struggled with fouls, only playing 12 minutes. He did tally 6 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks. He also turned the ball over 3 times in just 12 minutes of playing time. Going into this game it appeared as though Raduljica would be a good match up against Nikola Vucevic, but Miroslav was grossly over-matched. I still love watching him play though.
All of these losses are going to be worth it come draft night in June. Saturday has a full slate of potential Buck’s draft picks to watch. Starting with:
Julius Randle - (11) Kentucky at Missouri
12:00PM CBS
Marcus Smart - Baylor at (8) Oklahoma State
1:00PM ESPN
Joel Embiid - (6) Kansas at (25) Texas
3:00PM ESPN
Andrew Wiggins - (6) Kansas at (25) Texas
3:00PM ESPN
Jabari Parker - (17) Duke at (2) Syracuse
5:30PM ESPN