Watch two games of the NBA 2021-22 regular season each week LIVE on SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand.
Not a joke
The Denver Nuggets have struggled to find any rhythm thus far and it could get worse without reigning MVP Nikola Jokic.
Jokic has missed the last three games with a wrist injury sustained against the Philadelphia 76ers last week, and a date for his return is unknown ahead of this weekend’s matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Michael Malone’s men are in the midst of a five-game winless run and will sorely miss their star center, who has averaged career-highs of 26.4 points and 13.6 rebounds through 14 games.
With the 26-year-old’s status questionable and both Jamal Murray (ACL) and Michael Porter Jr. (back) still on the sidelines, Jeff Green, Aaron Gordon, and Will Barton will be required to carry the load against the defending champions.
Freak in form
After starting the new season 4-7, the Milwaukee Bucks have since won seven of their last eight games to sit sixth in the Eastern Conference.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been instrumental in the Bucks’ return to form, averaging an incredible 27.13 points, 12.38 rebounds, 5.88 assists and 2.13 blocks per game.
Such MVP-level production could overwhelm the shorthanded Denver Nuggets at the Ball Arena, and you feel that’s exactly what the ‘Greek Freak’ will set out to accomplish.
School of wizardry
Wes Unseld Jr. was left to rue yet another second-half deficit against New Orleans on Thursday, but that still shouldn’t change the mood emanating from Washington.
The Wizards have been the surprise packets of the 2021-22 season, having won 10 of their first 13 games thanks in large part to the five-team trade made possible by general manager Tommy Sheppard.
With Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Spencer Dinwiddie and Aaron Holiday all coming to the capital, the Wizards now have an array of scorers not many can match.
And while a run of four defeats from their last five fixtures may have affected expectations, coach Unseld remains optimistic his men can rediscover their magic touch this weekend.
Kristaps settling in
Kristaps Porzingis is finally playing his best basketball in Dallas and the Mavericks are reaping the rewards.
The 7’3” Latvian is enjoying an injury-free season for the first time since his rookie year and has repaid new coach Jason Kidd with a career-best run of seven straight games above 20 points.
Porzingis produced 30 in the Mavericks’ most recent outing – a thrilling overtime victory over the Clippers – and the 26-year-old could inflict further damage on the Washington Wizards this Sunday.
Together with two-time All-Star Luka Doncic, the duo have the potential to be the very best the NBA has to offer and, after two consecutive first-round exits, Porzingis is confident they’ll soon be able to prove it.
NBA 2021-22 LIVE on SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand this weekend
Saturday, November 27
Milwaukee Bucks v Denver Nuggets
1300 – 1530 (AEDT)
LIVE on SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand
Sunday, November 28
Washington Wizards v Dallas Mavericks
1230 – 1500 (AEDT)
LIVE on SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand
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How to watch NBA LIVE on SBS
