Cavaliers at Bucks
THE STORY: The Milwaukee Bucks made the first major move of the trade season, shipping oft-injured Andrew Bogut to the Warriors in a five-player deal that brings Monta Ellis to Milwaukee. It’s unlikely all players involved will pass their physicals in time, meaning Ellis probably won’t suit up Wednesday. It’s a break for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are battling Milwaukee and New York for the final playoff spot in the East.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Wisconsin, Fox Sports Ohio
ABOUT THE CAVALIERS (16-24): The Cavaliers’ three-game winning streak ended with Tuesday’s loss to the Raptors, dropping Cleveland into a virtual three-way tie with the Bucks and Knicks for the final playoff spot since all three teams have 24 losses. The bigger concern is Kyrie Irving, who is shooting just 14 of 44 (32 percent) in his last three games. Coach Byron Scott wondered if Irving is hitting a rookie wall, something Irving dismissed as a “myth.”
ABOUT THE BUCKS (18-24): The Bucks sent Bogut and Stephen Jackson to the Warriors on Tuesday for Ellis, Ekpe Udoh and Kwame Brown’s expiring contract. It’s a huge boost to the Bucks in the short term, since Bogut may not play again this season while recovering from a fractured ankle and Jackson’s attitude had seemingly soured in recent weeks. Ellis is averaging 21.9 points this season and joins Brandon Jennings to form an explosive backcourt – just as long as they learn to share the ball.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Irving is now shooting 24 percent in three games against the Raptors and 49 percent against the rest of the league.
2. The Bucks have won three straight over the Cavaliers at Bradley Center.
3. The Bucks are 5-0 when they surpass 30 assists and 7-0 when they make at least 10 3-pointers.