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Lakers vs. Bucks: 10 Things to Know (2/27/15)

Here is what you need to know before the Lakers take on the Milwaukee Bucks.

1)
L.A. is looking to win three straight games for the second time this season and first since Dec. 9-14. The Lakers took down the Boston Celtics on Sunday to snap a seven-game losing streak, then upended the Utah Jazz for their first road win since Dec. 30. In its past two victories, L.A. has used hot shooting (48.0 percent) and turnover-forcing defense (18.0) to capture wins.

2)
After missing Wednesday’s game against Utah, Nick Young is once again listed as questionable to play. Young, who is shooting a career-low 36.6 percent from the field, had one of his best games of the season against Boston, scoring 19 points on a 5-for-9 clip. Thus far, L.A. is 3-11 this season when Young does not play.

3)
Lakers assistant coach Paul Pressey has a long history with the Bucks, as they drafted him 20th overall in 1982. Pressey played his first eight seasons with Milwaukee, averaging 11.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.6 rebounds as a “point forward.” The 11-year pro shined on defense for the Bucks and was named First Team All-Defensive in back-to-back seasons (1984-86), as well as Second Team the following year.

4)
Milwaukee is seeking to capture their franchise-record fifth straight win against the Lakers. Milwaukee already tied the current mark, set from 1986 to 1988, by pulling out a 113-105 victory on Feb. 4, after O.J. Mayo hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to send the game to overtime.

5)
The Bucks changed the face of their franchise at the trade deadline, acquiring reigning Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams from Philadelphia. The former 76er has shown the ability to do it all, as he leads the team in scoring (14.8); ranks seventh in the league in assists (7.4); and places second among point guards in rebounds (6.0), while recording three triple-doubles this season. However, Carter-Williams also needs plenty of polishing, ranking third in turnovers (4.2) and fourth-to-last in the league in field goal percentage (38.1).

6)
As part of the deal for Carter-Williams, the Bucks had to send their leading scorer, Brandon Knight (17.7), to Phoenix. Knight had been a menace in his last three games agains the Lakers, averaging 30.3 points on 54.0 percent shooting (34-for-63), while tallying 5.0 rebounds and 4.3 assists.

7)
Beginning with recording his then-career high 25 points against the Lakers on Feb. 4, Giannis Antetokounmpo has been on a personal record-setting roll, as he has since recorded new career bests in points (27 vs. Houston; Feb. 6), rebounds (15 vs. Houston; Feb. 6) and assists (six vs. Brooklyn; Feb. 9).

8)
Milwaukee’s defense is among the league’s best this season, holding opponents to the second-fewest points (96.5) and the third-lowest percentage from both the field (43.1) and 3-point range (32.9). The Bucks are also limiting their foes to the NBA’s fewest baskets (35.3) and forcing the most turnovers (17.3).

9)
Since 2015 began, Milwaukee has been even stingier on defense, as it leads the league in opponent 3-point percentage (31.2) and turnovers forced (18.2). Meanwhile, the Bucks also rank second in points allowed (92.8), opponent field goal percentage (41.1) and defensive rating (95.7).

10)
The Bucks rely on their bench to get the scoreboard going, as they rank second in the NBA with 41.5 points per game. The reserves, who play a league-high 21.2 combined minutes per game, have been efficient with their shots, also placing second in field goal percentage off the bench (47.0).

Bucks Shot Chart (Bench)
Bucks Shot Chart (Bench)