OKC Thunder: 3 keys to sweeping Bucks this season

OKC Thunder key number 3: Attack the Bucks vulnerability

In the offseason, Milwaukee invested in upgrading their roster via the Jrue Holiday trade but to get him it required roster shifts that sent out members of the core such as George Hill, Eric Bledsoe, and Wesley Matthews.

Holiday has missed the last six games dealing with COVID-19 while his team has gone 1-5.  His absence is exposing the vulnerability of their depth and lack of defensive ability compared to previous seasons.

Since Holiday is listed as a game-time decision on Thursday the Thunder could be the unlucky squad he returns against.

The Thunder had a close to perfect game plan against the Bucks last Sunday and can also employ some of the defensive principles the Raptors used like the GA wall, making Middleton be a playmaker and forcing the others to beat you.

OKC knows the perimeter will be open so ball movement is key. Protecting the ball and winning the rebound battle is equally important so the Bucks can’t get out and score easy transition baskets.

Luguentz Dort is likely to spend time on Antetokounmpo and Middleton but others will need to help. Although I’m biased the Thunder others and reserves can counter the Bucks’ (and already proved that fact). Bobby Portis, DJ Augustin, and Bryn Forbes can score but none are above-average defenders. With SGA and Theo back they also have others who can help in this effort.

All stats courtesy of basketball reference or NBA Stats.

Game specifics:

Records:

• Thunder: 11-17
• Nuggets: 16-12

The Venue:  Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Tipoff:  8:00 PM ET  | 7:00 PM CT

TV: Fox Sports  Oklahoma | NBA League Pass

Radio: WWLS 98.1 FM OKC

Odds:

Injuries:

OKC Thunder:

• George Hill underwent a procedure on his ailing thumb that will keep him off the court until early March.
• Trevor Ariza (personal) out indefinitely

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

Bucks:

• Jrue Holiday has missed six games following the league health and safety protocols and is listed as a game-time decision for Friday.
• Jordan Nwora will be out until approximately March 10th with an ankle sprain.

History:

The teams have played each other 144 times in regular-season history with the OKC Thunder holding a 73-71 advantage.

Last season the clubs met for the typical two cross-conference games with the Bucks taking both matches.

Six days ago, the teams played in Oklahoma City on Valentine’s Day with the Thunder winning 114-109.

Enjoy the game and check back tomorrow for grades and three takeaways.