As I began to prepare for Tapping The Keg this evening, I added ‘Bucks getting no respect’ as one of them. Then, Bucks found themselves number one on the ESPN Power Rankings, The Ringer wrote a glowing blurb about Bucks as well. People started finally paying attention to Milwaukee today. It took a 17-3 record and the best NET Rating in the NBA plus Giannis Antetokounmpo having the best PER in NBA’s history. The national media is coming to terms that Malcolm Brogdon might not have mattered as much as they want it to. But this week is another major test for Milwaukee.

What happened on Saturday?
Milwaukee shitpumped Charlotte – What a victory for the Milwaukee Bucks. They were on a BTB just like Charlotte and they beat them by 41 points. Charlotte isn’t a good team, but they’ve kept it close against a few good teams this season. Antetokounmpo only played 20 minutes on Saturday. That is about all you can ask for on a BTB and as much of a load management game you can get without actually resting. 10 Bucks players were in double-figures including an encouraging 12 points in 14 minutes from Dragan Bender (He did have four fouls too but let’s ignore that).

What’s ahead this week
Monday: New York comes to town – Bucks face another team on the second leg of a BTB. This time, it is the New York Knicks. New York isn’t that good with only four wins on the year. Bucks are a 16.5 point favorite. Milwaukee should have no problem handling a weak Knicks team. Don’t be surprised if the Knicks come out hot then fade as the game goes on.

Wednesday: Bucks to Motown – For the first time all season, Detroit looked like a real team against San Antonio on Sunday night. They’ve been horrid all year, and while the Spurs aren’t that good, Pistons were great last night. Unfortunately for Detroit, they will be on the second half of a BTB when they’re playing the Bucks on Wednesday. My assumption is Blake Griffin will sit this one out.

Friday: Bucks-Clippers showdown with Kawhi and PG – Let’s go. If Bucks win this one, the hype train is going to barrel full steam ahead. If Bucks were to lose, people will have takes about Milwaukee not ready to play with the big boys with a dash about how they miss Brogdon again. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George should both be in the lineup. I’m fascinated by Friday and think it’s the first must-watch of the Bucks season.

Charlie.