Dallas Mavericks vs Milwaukee Bucks - Combined starting 5 featuring Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo l NBA Season 2020-21

Small Forward - Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks)

Giannis Antetokounmpo's right-hand man throughout his career in Milwaukee has been Khris Middleton who only in the past few years has begun to earn the respect he deserves. Middleton is a two-time All-Star who is averaging career-highs in both points (21.6) and rebounds (6.3) so far this season.

What usually goes unnoticed about Middleton's game is his high-percentage, consistent shooting. The 29-year-old is currently shooting at 54 percent, an increase of five percentage points over last season, which includes 47 percent from the three-point line. Its fair to say that with Middleton, Antetokounmpo and Holiday, the Bucks have one of the best two-way big threes in the league.

Power Forward - Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)

After signing an enormous contract extension with the Milwaukee Bucks in the offseason, Giannis Antetokounmpo is determined to bring home a championship for the franchise that showed so much faith in him.

In parallel with his MVP rival - Luka Doncic - Giannis has also had two triple-doubles so far this season and is averaging 26.2 points and 10 rebounds. The power forward does it all for the Bucks and leads by example on both ends of the floor.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (22 PTS, 10 REB and 10 AST) led the way for the Bucks with his 2nd triple-double of the season and the 20th of his career! 🦌 pic.twitter.com/kKmPJb9a4l
— NBA UK (@NBAUK) January 14, 2021

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Not only does he have the athleticism to rival the greats with his two-step dribble from the 3-point arc to rim, the Greek is also a defensive menace. The power forward was named Defensive Player of the Year last season yet is currently averaging more blocks and steals after the opening 11 games of this year.

Center - Kristaps Porzingis (Dallas Mavericks)

Dallas Mavericks' Center Kristaps Porzingis

Coach Carlisle summed Porzingis' return to the Dallas Mavericks perfectly on Wednesday night when he said it was a 'game changer'. The Mavs beat the Hornets 104-93 in what was the Latvian star's first start this season after recovering from knee surgery.

"Finally. Finally it's here. I've been working a lot... It's always a good feeling once you actually get there and get those minutes on the court."Kristaps Porzingis speaks to the media on his return from injury. #MFFL pic.twitter.com/u586SJldJN
— FOX Sports Southwest (@FOXSportsSW) January 14, 2021

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Porzingis played 21 minutes, during which he scored 16 points and picked up four rebounds. At 7-foot-3, the 25-year-old is easily able to shoot the ball over smaller defenders and secured two blocks on the defensive end.

In last season's playoffs, Porzingis was forced out of the Dallas Mavericks' first round matchup against the Clippers after Game 3 and wouldn't return. His absence was inevitably crushing to the Mavs who went on to lose the series and will have scores to settle this time around.