Golden State Warriors vs Milwaukee Bucks: Combined starting 5 featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry

Milwaukee Bucks v Boston Celtics
Milwaukee Bucks v Boston Celtics

Two former MVPs collide as the Golden State Warriors and the Milwaukee Bucks clash in the second game of the NBA Christmas Day schedule. Stephen Curry will be hoping to lead his side to their former glory days while Giannis Antetokounmpo is on the quest for domination in the Eastern Conference yet again.

Both these teams lost their season openers but the nature of defeat was vastly different. The Warriors are still without the services of Draymond Green but he should be making his return soon. The Bucks probably have the best starting trio in the league but their supporting cast needs to pick up the pace.

Golden State Warriors vs Milwaukee Bucks: Combined starting lineup

In spite of the current shortcomings, both Golden State Warriors and Milwaukee Bucks have bonafide stars who could change the course of the game single-handedly. On that note, let us look at the combined starting five for both teams.


Point Guard - Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)

Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry didn't have the greatest outing in Golden State Warriors' season opener but he exhibited the various traits that make him the superstar he is. He penetrated the interior and drove to the basket often. His quick release made it difficult for the opposition to close down on him on the perimeter.

The shooting accuracy was amiss for Curry but despite that, he managed to drop 20 points. He'll be hoping to be more efficient against the Milwaukee Bucks while creating open looks for his teammates.

Shooting Guard - Jrue Holiday (Milwaukee Bucks)

Jrue Holiday (right)
Jrue Holiday (right)

Jrue Holiday had the best possible debut game for the Milwaukee Bucks that he could've hoped for. Holiday was solid on both ends of the court and finished the game with 25 points on 10-of-16 shooting. He also managed two steals against a Boston side that only turned the ball over six times during the whole game.

The Bucks had to give up a lot to acquire Jrue Holiday and he's shown value right from the get-go. Against the Golden State Warriors, he will be given the unenviable task of guarding Stephen Curry. If he's able to win this battle, it could really become a walk in the park for his side.


Also read: Golden State Warriors vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction & Match Preview - December 25th, 2020 | NBA Christmas Day 2020


Small Forward - Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks)

Khris Middleton (left)
Khris Middleton (left)

A solid player on both ends of the court, Khris Middleton is amongst the most underrated player in the NBA. He saved the Milwaukee Bucks from the humiliation of getting swept by Miami in the 2020 NBA Playoffs and was on point again in their 2020-21 season opener.

Middleton almost had a triple-double against the Celtics, accounting for 27 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists. With Andrew Wiggins guarding him on Christmas, the two-time All-Star will hope to replicate the aforementioned stats.

Power Forward - Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)

Giannis Antetokounmpo (right)
Giannis Antetokounmpo (right)

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the main reason behind the Milwaukee Bucks' surge in the East and he continues to improve each year. He missed a game-tying free throw on Wednesday but despite that, he went 75% from the charity stripe. The Greek Freak's jumpers looked better in general as he racked up 35 points.

It becomes increasingly difficult for the opposition to stay in the game if Giannis gets his way. There's a reason why he's the two-time reigning MVP. Yes, his shooting ability is still limited but besides that, there's little that he can't do on the court.

Center - James Wiseman (Golden State Warriors)

James Wiseman attacks the rim
James Wiseman attacks the rim

He's played only one competitive game in over a year, but James Wiseman looks ready for the NBA. Wiseman had 19 points on his debut for the Golden State Warriors and was their biggest positive in a blowout loss against the Brooklyn Nets.

Wiseman will still make rookie mistakes while blowing hot and cold as he gets into form. However, he's shown lots of confidence for the Warriors fans to be excited. He's aggressive on the glass, pops up easily from mid-range, and will eventually establish a pick-and-roll game with Curry to be more lethal on offense.


Also read: Golden State Warriors vs Milwaukee Bucks Prediction & Match Preview - December 25th, 2020 | NBA Christmas Day 2020

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Edited by Raunak Jaiswal