Wizards Struggling in 2024-25 NBA Season, Bucks Turning Things Around
Washington Wizards vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Wizards’ Struggles Continue, Bucks Gaining Momentum
The Washington Wizards (2-15) will face the Milwaukee Bucks (9-9) at Fiserv Forum on Saturday at 8:00 PM ET in what promises to be a lopsided matchup. The Bucks are heavy 15.5-point favorites for this game, with a total set at 232.5 points. While Milwaukee has been surging with five straight wins, the Wizards are stuck in a seemingly endless losing streak, having dropped 13 consecutive games.
Washington Wizards: In the Midst of a Long Rebuild
The Washington Wizards’ 2024-25 season continues to spiral out of control. After suffering a humiliating 121-96 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, the Wizards remain one of the most dysfunctional teams in the league. They have now lost 13 straight games and, even worse, have failed to cover the spread in six of their last seven outings.
In the latest defeat, Washington was outclassed by the Clippers, who shot a blistering 50% from the field and dominated the paint, outscoring the Wizards 60-36 in the key. Washington’s perimeter shooting was abysmal, hitting just 8-of-33 (24.2%) from beyond the arc, and they turned the ball over 20 times, which led to 31 points for LA. The Wizards never led in the game and trailed by as many as 33 points in what was an embarrassing home defeat.
The Wizards’ lack of competitive play this season is reflected in their advanced stats. Washington ranks dead last in NET rating, 29th in offensive rating, and 30th in defensive rating, according to Dunks and Threes. To add to their woes, the Wizards have faced the second-toughest strength of schedule so far. With a lack of defensive prowess and an offense that struggles to score consistently, it’s clear that Washington is not just underperforming—they’re in full rebuild mode, likely aiming for a high draft pick in 2025.
Milwaukee Bucks: Gaining Momentum After Slow Start
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks are moving in the opposite direction, finding their rhythm after a sluggish start to the season. The Bucks have won seven of their last eight games, including a hard-fought 106-103 victory over the Miami Heat on Tuesday. The win was a testament to the Bucks’ resilience, as they overcame a significant disadvantage in the paint (46-18) by shooting 47% from three-point range and hitting 82% of their free throws.
At the heart of Milwaukee’s recent success is star guard Damian Lillard, who erupted for 37 points in the win over Miami, shooting 10-of-17 from the field. Despite their aging core, which includes veterans like Lillard, and Khris Middleton—who are all in their mid-30s—the Bucks have found contributions from their offseason acquisitions. Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright have added much-needed depth to a team with championship aspirations.
Milwaukee ranks 13th in NET rating this season, with a solid 12th-place offensive rating and 11th in defensive rating. The Bucks are particularly dangerous on offense, ranking 6th in effective field goal percentage (eFG%) and 5th in mid-range shooting percentage. From three-point range, they sit 6th in the league, an area that has been bolstered by Lillard’s perimeter shooting. On defense, the Bucks are tough at the rim, ranking 3rd in opponent two-point field goal percentage, and their overall defense remains a formidable force.
Conclusion
The Milwaukee Bucks are hitting their stride at the right time and look poised to continue their ascent in the Eastern Conference standings. With Damian Lillard playing at an elite level and solid contributions from their role players, the Bucks’ offense is clicking on all cylinders. Their defense, particularly around the rim, gives them an added advantage in this matchup.
On the flip side, the Washington Wizards have shown few signs of life, with their season unraveling into one of the worst performances in recent memory. Without significant improvement on both ends of the court, it’s hard to see how Washington can compete in this contest.
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