On February 21, 2025, the Milwaukee Bucks face the Washington Wizards at the Capital One Arena, where the spotlight is on former Buck Khris Middleton, who is set to make his debut with Washington.
Middleton, who was traded to the Wizards earlier this month, looks to influence the game against his former teammates. The Wizards come off the back of rough form, standing at 9-45 overall and having lost their last four games before the All-Star break. Meanwhile, the Bucks, currently 30-24, are fresh off a hard-fought victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, winning 116-110.
This matchup is particularly significant with Giannis Antetokounmpo returning after recovering from a calf strain. The star forward’s impact was noticeable last night when he contributed 23 points within 24 minutes on the court, solidifying his importance to the lineup. "Got our guy back," the Bucks tweeted, echoing their excitement to have him on the floor.
The additions of Kyle Kuzma and other new players are shaking up the roster dynamics, aiming to ramp up their performance as they march toward the playoffs. Coach Doc Rivers noted the urgency the team feels as they currently sit at fifth place within the Eastern Conference. With the playoffs looming and every game counting, this matchup against the Wizards is pivotal.
Milwaukee is favored by 5.5 points over Washington, and the over/under for the game is set at 229.5 points, according to BetMGM. This aligns with the expectations around the Bucks, who, as noted, excel offensively with the second-best three-point shooting percentage
Despite the betting odds favoring Milwaukee, Washington is feeling energized, especially with Jordan Poole providing standout performances. He scored 42 points in the last game against the Pacers, showcasing his capabilities and proving he can be a significant player for the Wizards. The team hopes this energy can help snap its home-losing streak.
Both teams are adjusting their strategies; Milwaukee will need to contend with Middleton, whose playmaking abilities and shooting can turn the tide. Middleton reflected on facing his former team, expressing, "It is funny how things work out, how my first game is going to be against my old team. But it’s going to be fun." His approach emphasizes treating it like any other game, yet the emotional weight is palpable.
Giannis had some light-hearted remarks about his former teammate, joking, "I’m not talking to him!"
He added more banter: "I want to make a three in his face and go ‘Cash!’" It highlights the friendly competition likely to be present on the court.
The Bucks have had success against the Wizards previously, winning the last five matchups. With all eyes on the clash of the two sides, fans are eager to see how Milwaukee's defense holds up against the potential firepower of Washington, especially with Middleton leading the charge.
For viewers eager to catch the action, the game tips off at 7 p.m. ET, and fans can tune in locally on the FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin. If you're following along for betting advice, expert predictions suggest players look out for Middleton as he aims to score the first field goal for Washington.
With stakes high and the storyline rich, the Bucks look to extend their positive momentum against the Wizards, all eyes set on who will emerge victorious this time around.