Gameday Preview: OKC Thunder close out home stand against top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks
By Alex Mcewen
Something has got to give
The Milwaukee Bucks allow the fewest points off turnovers at 14.2 per game whereas, the OKC Thunder average the most points off turnovers per match at 20.8. Milwaukee is one of four teams to hold their opponent below 15 turnover points per game. Oklahoma City is one of two squads scoring over 20 turnover points per contest.
This season when Oklahoma City scores 25 or more turnover points they are 8-2, conversely when Milwaukee has held teams below 10 turnover points their record is 9-1. Whichever team controls this category tonight will have a clear advantage in the ball game.
Play the percentages
When Oklahoma City shoots the ball at a 50 percent clip or better they are 11-2, when Milwaukee does the same their record is an astounding 15-1. Switching to the defensive side of the equation, when the Thunder allow 50-plus percent field goal accuracy they are 3-7, conversely the are Bucks 1-5 when the opposition shoots north of 50 percent.
Much like turnover points, field goal percentage will play a large role in determining the outcome of this evenings contest.
Matchups to watch: Antetokounmpo vs. George and Adams vs. Lopez
Paul George and Antetokounmpo have both established themselves as viable MVP candidates. Currently, the Most Valuable Player award appears to be James Harden‘s to lose. But, a strong showing from George, Giannis, or both players could help further their campaign in the quest for the leagues most coveted award.
Given PG and the Greek Freak are two of the best two-way players in the NBA it will be intriguing to see how they defend the other. The recently named All-Star starters just might provide some of the best one-of-one play this season inside the Peake, in other words, the matchup will be must-see TV.
Regarding the matchup between Steven Adams and Brook Lopez, Adams must find a way to contain Lopez on the perimeter. Historically, Adams has struggled with shooting bigs, this season five of the nine centers to attempt two-plus 3-point shots vs. the Thunder are shooting above 40 percent.
On the season Lopez is connecting on 38.3 percent of his treys. Therefore, Adams must honor Lopez’s perimeter prowess or the former Brooklyn Net could be Milwaukee’s unsung hero of the evening.