Bucks ready for final stretch of regular season

 

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58) - The All-Star break is over and it’s all about the final 22 games left in the regular season for the Milwaukee Bucks. It’s starts with the Brooklyn Nets Saturday February 26th, in what is a jumbled up Eastern Conference. 

"I think all of us see it kinda as go time. Just take it up another gear and finish the year strong," said Bucks guard Grayson Allen when asked about the final stretch of games.

Entering Friday’s February 25th NBA games five teams, the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Bucks, and Cleveland Cavaliers are separated by five games. 

"I've never seen a playoff race this close from top to bottom," said Bucks All-Star Forward Khris Middleton. "You can expect all teams to be in playoff mode from here on out if it didn't start before the all star break because we all know what's at stake."

Once again this season  in the NBA, the top six teams in the standings while the 7-10 teams play in the Play-In games. 

"I feel like you lose one game, you go from third to fifth. You win two games you go from fifth to second," said Bucks Forward Bobby Portis.  " No one is going to feel sorry for you these last 22 games. Everybody trying to win."

The Bucks are looking as healthy as they have been in a while with George Hill and Grayson Allen returning to practice after entering the All-Star break with injuries. The new additions, Serge Ibaka, DeAndre' Bembry, Jevon Carter are fitting in as well.

However, the best sight might be having center Brook Lopez back on the court even though there is still no timetable for his return. He hasn't played since the Bucks opening night game against the Nets.

"You know I think it's a joy for him to be able to work out. Get up shots with no restrictions and things like that. Its fun to see my brother back in the lab getting shots up at least," said Portis. 

"I can't emphasize or say it enough man. We miss the big guy out there and can't wait until we have him full time with us," said Middleton. 

The Bucks and Nets tipoff at 7:30pm on Saturday, February 26th. George Hill is listed as questionable for the game while Lopez and Pat Connaughton are out. The Nets' Kevin Durant and Ben Simmons are out for the game.