The set-up: The 11-10 Milwaukee Bucks head to Washington to take on the 8-13 Wizards, off a game Milwaukee center Greg Monroe called, "Just a total letdown, both ends. I can't even point to one thing!" The Bucks took a 20-point halftime lead Friday night at home against the Hawks but lost 114-110, as Atlanta scored 70 second-half points. The Wizards last played on Thursday and are coming off a 92-85 win over Denver that stands as their best performance on the defensive end this season, as they forced 29 turnovers and held the Nuggets to 33 points after halftime.

Milwaukee: In Antetokounmpo (21.6-8.8-5.9) and Parker (19.6 & 5.8) the Bucks own a terrific young duo but the team does not have another double digit scorer. Monroe, a FA signing a couple of years ago, is becoming more and more of a disappointment, as this year his numbers are down to 9.4 & 6.8. The Bucks do defend the perimeter as well as any team, allowing 43.0% shooting overall , which includes 32..0% on threes (both figures are a league-best!). However, the team allows 102.4 PPG, which is fairly mediocre (12th).

Washington: The Wizards own one of the NBA's best backcourts in Wall (23.6-4.3-9.5) and Beal (21.6) but unlike Milwaukee, the team's three other starters all average in double digits, as well. The trio consists of forwards Porter (14.1 & 7.7) and Morris (13.0 & 5.6) plus center Gortat (11.1 & 11.8). Also unlike Milwaukee, Washington's defense is not doing a good job, as opponents are shooting 46.4% from the floor (26th), including 37.4% (28th) on threes.

The pick: The teams play a total of four times in just 30 days (including a home-and-home set Dec. 23 and Dec. 26), so they will be familiar foes this next month. Game 1 goes to Washington, as Milwaukee may just recover from last night's blown loss quickly enough to handle Wall (had 52 points on Tuesday!) and Beal. Washington is a 10* play.