Bucks continue push towards playoffs, host dismal Bobcats
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Milwaukee has taken advantage of a soft spot in its schedule to get back in the Eastern Conference playoff conversation.
The Bucks will welcome another lesser opponent to Brew City on Friday when they entertain the NBA-worst Charlotte Bobcats.
The Bucks opened up a five-game homestand on Wednesday by disposing of a Kyrie Irving-less Cleveland team, 107-98. Monta Ellis had 30 points, eight assists and five rebounds in that one as Milwaukee beat the Cavaliers for the seventh straight time.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Brandon Jennings added 19 points and Ersan Ilyasova scored 18 for the Bucks, who have won four of their last five and are 1 1/2 games behind New York for the eighth and final playoff seed in the East.
Ekpe Udoh, who was acquired along with Ellis in a trade with Golden State on March 14, filled in for an injured Drew Gooden (back soreness), scoring 11 points and adding eight rebounds.
Gooden remains questionable for tonight's game.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
Milwaukee, which is 13-12 at Bradley Center, will also face Portland, Oklahoma City and New York on its residency.
The Bobcats, meanwhile, are playing out the string in a dismal season, losing their ninth straight game in Atlanta, 120-93, on Wednesday.
Kemba Walker paced the Charlotte offense with 21 points and Gerald Henderson added 15 for the Bobcats, who are 0-3 on a four-game road trip.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
"Well it's hard," said Bobcats head coach Paul Silas about his team being the only team in the NBA with a single-digit win total at 7-45. "You have to look at what you have. I hate losing. I never lost like this before in my life. It is difficult."
Guard D.J. Augustin left the game against the Hawks in the second quarter and did not return due to right knee tendinitis. He's listed as questionable for tonight.
The Bucks have won seven straight and 12 of their last 13 home games against Charlotte.