Preview: Nuggets at Bucks MILWAUKEE (Interstat) — The Denver Nuggets, riding a wave of strong individual performances from Peyton Watson, visit the struggling Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on Friday night in a cross-conference NBA matchup. The Nuggets (30-15) arrive after a 107-97 road victory over Washington on Thursday, led by a career-high 35 points from Watson. Denver has won seven of its last 10 games. The Bucks (18-25), meanwhile, are looking to halt a slide after a 122-102 home loss to Oklahoma City on Wednesday, their seventh defeat in the last 10 outings. Watson has emerged as a central figure for Denver, averaging 24.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists over his last 10 games. His standout stretch includes four games of 30 or more points. He scored 19 points with eight rebounds and six assists in Denver’s 108-104 home win over Milwaukee on Jan. 11. Milwaukee will counter with two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is averaging 27.2 points, 11.6 rebounds and 5.3 assists over his last 10 contests. He posted a 31-point, 11-assist double-double in the earlier loss to Denver this month. Despite Denver’s superior record and a recent head-to-head victory, Milwaukee has been installed as a 4.5-point pregame favorite by oddsmakers. The over/under total is set at 221 points. Statistical models give the Nuggets a slight edge, projecting them with a 56.4% probability to win. The game is the first of a back-to-back set for both teams. Denver travels to Memphis on Sunday, while Milwaukee hosts Dallas. Projected Starters: