MILWAUKEE, WI (LEARFIELD-WSAU) The Milwaukee Bucks can give their playoff hopes a boost tonight, with a home victory over Miami. The Bucks’ lead over the Heat has dropped to one-and-a-half games for the Number-six playoff spot in the Eastern Conference — and several other teams are not far behind.
Yesterday, key reserves Jared Dudley and O-J Mayo returned to practice after being out with injuries. Dudley brought a dose of optimism with him, saying the Bucks can turn their downward slide around in their final 12 regular season games. Dudley says they should not try to do to much to compensate for their recent losses — and to get back to playing within themselves and their limits.
Milwaukee has dropped six straight, and 13-of-its-last-16. Dudley also said it would be important for the Bucks’ youngest standouts — 23-year-old Michael Carter-Williams and 20-year-old Giannis Antetokounmpo — to experience the playoffs, since they’re played at a much higher level.
Milwaukee’s last post-season appearance came two years ago, when Miami swept the Bucks in four games in the first round.
