A stern test against the NBA’s elite
The Milwaukee Bucks have one of the toughest matchups you can get tonight, with the Oklahoma City Thunder coming to town. These two teams faced off a month ago, with an injured/resting Milwaukee team losing 96-123. Of course, the Bucks did prevail over the Thunder int he NBA Cup Final in December, which unfortunately doesn’t count in the standings.
Where We’re At
The Bucks had a four-game winning streak and then followed it up with a three-game losing streak. They have now won their last two games with a needed 126-119 win against the Indiana Pacers last night. Milwaukee’s offense was flowing and efficient, thanks to Giannis and Brook punishing the Pacers down low before the three-ball fell after. Despite the offense going cold in the fourth quarter, it was still the best the Bucks have looked in a bit.
OKC has been one of the best teams in the league. Led by MVP favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder have complementary pieces that make them the top defense in the league by defensive rating, and tonight they will look to stifle another superstar. They too are on the second night of a back-to-back with a 113-107 victory last night in Detroit, giving the Bucks another game cushion on the Pistons in the standings.
Injury Report
Milwaukee has listed Giannis and Dame as probable. Kyle Kuzma and Jericho Sims are listed as questionable with a non-Covid illness and sprained thumb. respectively. Oklahoma City doesn’t have All-Star Jalen Williams on this road trip due to a hip strain and they also will not have defensive ace Lu Dort or Ousmanne Dieng. Last night, they were without Chet Holmgren and Aaron Wiggins, but the former is not on today’s injury report, and the latter is now questionable with an illness.
Player To Watch
Brook Lopez has been playing some of his best basketball of the season this week. Since the All-Star break, Brook has averaged 14.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks and is shooting 39% from three. He has stepped up to be Milwaukee’s third scoring option and can be productive with just one of Dame or Giannis on the court while still being a defensive force.
How To Watch
ESPN and FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin at 8:00 p.m. CDT.
Playback Streaming
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