Bucks Clash with Clippers in Tanking Showdown

Milwaukee's focus remains on catching the Chicago Bulls in the standings, not defeating Los Angeles.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:54pm

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The Milwaukee Bucks are set to face off against the Los Angeles Clippers, but their true opponent is the Chicago Bulls. With the Bucks focused on securing a better draft position by finishing below the Bulls, the Clippers are merely the next obstacle to overcome in their tanking efforts.

Why it matters

The Bucks' priority is improving their draft position relative to the Bulls, rather than winning games outright. This matchup against the Clippers is seen as an opportunity to take another step towards that goal, even if it means maximizing playing time for younger players over veteran stars.

The details

The Bucks are looking to crash into the Clippers, who currently sit in the Western Conference play-in position, as part of their tanking strategy. With Giannis Antetokounmpo's future uncertain, the team is focused on developing its younger talent and securing a higher draft pick. Meanwhile, the Clippers will be without several key players due to injuries, including Isaiah Jackson, Bradley Beal, and Yanic Konan Niederhauser.

  • The game is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. CDT on March 29, 2026.

The players

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Bucks' star player, whose future with the team is uncertain.

Brook Lopez

A former Bucks player who has reclaimed a starting spot for the Clippers in the absence of Ivica Zubac.

Kawhi Leonard

The Clippers' star player, who is expected to face potential disciplinary action.

Gary Trent Jr.

A Clippers player who has been eating up minutes that could be spent on younger Bucks players.

Isaiah Jackson

A Clippers player who is questionable to play due to a right ankle sprain.

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What they’re saying

“The Bucks most certainly are tanking: look no further than here.”

— Morgan Ross, Author

“Hopefully the Clippers will again be a willing hurdle.”

— Morgan Ross, Author

What’s next

The Bucks will continue to monitor the injury report and make lineup decisions focused on developing their younger players and securing a better draft position relative to the Chicago Bulls.

The takeaway

The Bucks' matchup against the Clippers is less about winning the game and more about positioning themselves for a higher draft pick. Their priority is finishing below the Bulls in the standings, even if it means maximizing playing time for younger players over veteran stars.