Charlotte @ Milwaukee preview

Last Meeting ( Mar 9, 2019 ) Charlotte 114, Milwaukee 131

The Milwaukee Bucks seek their 11th consecutive victory when they host the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday. Milwaukee saw a 22-point, third-quarter lead slip to three on Friday before posting a 119-110 road win over the Cleveland Cavaliers to match its longest winning streak since also winning 10 straight during the 1985-86 season.

Star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo registered 33 points and 12 rebounds on Friday and has double-doubles in all 19 games this season, but Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer was breathing a sigh of relief that his club withstood Cleveland's barrage. "We were very fortunate to have a big cushion and to withstand that run," Budenholzer told reporters. "Guys made enough plays down the stretch ... good win for us on the road." Charlotte completed a sweep of a home-and-home set with the Detroit Pistons by posting a 110-107 road victory on Friday to improve to 4-7 away from home. Rookie forward PJ Washington scored 26 points on 9-of-12 shooting to fall one point shy of his season high.

TV: 8 p.m. ET, FS Southeast (Charlotte), FS Wisconsin (Milwaukee)

ABOUT THE HORNETS (8-12): Center Bismack Biyombo has started the past two games with Cody Zeller (hip) sidelined and he has averaged 16 points, nine rebounds and two blocked in the contests, including a season-best 19 points against Detroit on Wednesday before scoring 13 on Friday. But the offensive exploits are a bonus as the 27-year-old packs most of his value on the defensive end and with his rebounding prowess. "He ignites our defense. He makes us better on that end of the floor," Charlotte coach James Borrego said after Friday's victory. "Our commitment to protecting the paint, keeping the ball in front - and he's given us a tremendous amount offensively as well."

ABOUT THE BUCKS (16-3): Star small forward Khris Middleton had 12 points and five assists in 23 minutes off the bench against Cleveland in his second contest after missing seven straight due to a thigh injury. Budenholzer said the reserve role will be a "very short-term" thing for Middleton and point guard George Hill could see that his teammate is closing in on being ready to return to starting duty. "He's being Khris," Hill said after Friday's game. "The shots are going to fall. He's going to get more comfortable with his minutes. Once he's back, we know he's going to be All-Star-level Khris."

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Hornets have lost their past five visits to Milwaukee.

2. Hill (back) had 18 points in 22 minutes against Cleveland after missing the previous two games.

3. Charlotte PG Terry Rozier made six 3-pointers - one shy of his season high - while scoring 23 points on Friday.

PREDICTION: Bucks 118, Hornets 101