NBA League Pass game of the day: Bucks vs. Hornets

Fire up NBA League Pass and enjoy a battle between the Milwaukee Bucks and Charlotte Hornets. Here’s a look at five things to know to get geared up for matinee basketball.
1. Will the Bucks get into gear?: Milwaukee was considered a title contender, or at least a team that should be a title contender. The Bucks did not come out of the gate in form, beginning the season at 4-8. They have won two in a row and will look to keep that momentum going.
2. Milwaukee’s road woes: It’s safe to say that the Bucks are struggling on the road. They’re 1-5 away from home but 3-3 at Fiserv Forum. 
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo is doing what he can to turn things around: Antetokounmpo is averaging 33.3 points a game and already has a pair of 40-point games this season. That includes 59 points in his last game where he led the Bucks to an overtime win against the Pistons.
4. LaMelo Ball is balling out: It’s a gift to not just Hornets fans, but basketball fans in general that Ball is healthy. He’s played in all 11 games for Charlotte this season and has reminded everybody just how good he is when he plays at full speed. Ball has delivered 29.9 points, 6.3 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. 
5. Antetokounmpo needs reinforcements: Khris Middleton hasn’t played this season due to a lingering ankle injury. On top of that Damian Lillard is expecting to be out Saturday due to a concussion. That means more offense is needed from Taurean Prince, Bobby Portis, and Gary Trent Jr. The second-most important player will probably be Brook Lopez. The veteran big man stretches the floor and blocks 2.4 shots per contest. Milwaukee’s chances of winning may come down to Lopez and Antetokounmpo preventing Ball from getting to the basket.