The Bucks are now 3 games up on the Celtics in the loss column (but only 1 in the win column) for the top seed with 18 games left. They are 4 clear of the Sixers. That should be safe, but after the collapse the other night the tiebreaker is in Philly's favor right now.
They have a very winnable game against the Magic tonight to go 2.5 games up with 17 to play. They have ruled Giannis out with a "non-Covid illness" and have ruled Jrue out with "neck soreness." The Magic have played pretty well lately and it appears the Bucks are just going to give this game away. Unless you think Middleton is miraculously going to go for 40 tonight. Where else are the points going from? Who is going to bring the ball up the court?
Keep in mind the remaining Bucks schedule includes 6 really tough games.
at Golden State (with Curry back)
at Sacramento
at Phoenix (second half of a back to back with the Sacramento game and 3rd game in 4 nights)
at Denver (second half of a back to back with a Utah game and 3rd game in 4 nights)
vs. Boston
vs. Philly
The Bucks are not on a back to back tonight. Why not play Giannis and/or Jrue tonight and optimize your chances to win THIS game and then prioritize getting them some load management rest in the Phoenix or Denver games coming up? This game actually counts more than those do because it's a conference game.
If the Bucks end up playing a Game 7 in Boston again, remember this decision. Very frustrating.
