Home/NBA

USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

This season, the Milwaukee Bucks have embarked on an expedition. They are taking all the steps to reclaim the stature that propelled them toward the NBA championship in 2021. They even made the biggest NBA offseason trade which shocked the entire basketball community. The addition of Damian Lillard has not only made their team strong but even increased their chances to win the title. The fans and the analysts however are calling the Bucks the strongest force in the NBA at the moment.

Their expedition, however, has not been without difficulty. Although they have had a rocky start to this season, their clash against the Orlando Magic can be the turning point of their season. But the main question is whether Damian Lillard is going to be playing or not.

Is Big Game Dame going to be participating in the clash against the Magic?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

During the Bucks’ switch from the legendary guidance of Mike Budenholzer to the more recent entrance of Adrian Griffin, their quest for greatness suffered a setback. Their key player, Damian Lillard suffered a calf injury. Due to that Lillard has been out of action and fans have been desperately wanting to see him represent their franchise.

The Bucks require Lillard’s talent to strengthen their attack and maybe offer an extra dimension to their defensive schemes. Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s incredible 54-point effort, the Pacers’ 126-124 defeat highlighted the team’s dependence on Lillard’s multidimensional skill set. However, according to the injury report of the Orlando Magic game, Lillard has been marked questionable due to his problematic calf.

Adrian Griffin, the newly hired coaching voice, is tasked with reviving this tough Bucks club. He will, however, have to strike a balance between offensive flair and defensive steadiness. While the Bucks boast great offensive figures, their defensive efficiency has caused issues.

Read More: Giannis Antetokounmpo Closes in on Kevin Durant and Teammate Damian Lillard in Elite Company

Their inability to restrict opponents, regardless of the presence of Giannis and Brook Lopez, presents a daunting challenge. However, the Bucks are forced to replace Lillard with Malik Beasley who did not look great in the Pacers game.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Can Malik Beasley fill Lillard’s shoes?

Malik Beasley’s entrance in Milwaukee had been seen as a potential solution to the Bucks’ defensive difficulties, with the goal of filling the vacuum left by Damian Lillard. Beasley, renowned for his exceptional 3-point shooting, needed to provide more than simply offensive skill. However, his initial defensive difficulties have raised concerns and put him in the limelight. Everyone had?high hopes for Beasley stepping into a key role, especially in strengthening the Bucks’ defensive tasks. However,?the way he adapted to the team’s scheme has encountered an obstacle. Despite being a crucial floor-spacer with excellent shooting percentages, his defensive play against the Pacers revealed areas for growth.

USA Today via Reuters

Beasley’s addition to the initial roster seemed destined to strengthen the team’s composition. However, his struggles against Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton at important times highlighted his defensive weaknesses. The necessity for defensive development has been clear, indicating a possible adjustment time for Beasley inside the Bucks’ defensive methods. While his attacking abilities have been noticeable, Beasley’s defense-specific anchoring skill is now the focus. The mutant’s?progress in this position becomes critical to the Bucks’ success as they seek a healthy blend of offensive potency and defensive solidity.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

WATCH THIS STORY | Tank?s Absurd Usher Claim Draws 5-Word Response From Damian Lillard