OKC Thunder vs Bucks – preseason preview and keys to match
The OKC Thunder will play their second preseason game of four scheduled today. While both teams won’t be at full strength it will be a good litmus test for the Thunder as they face the defending champions.
In the prior game the Thunder lost to the Charlotte Hornets in a match they were never close to being competitive in. However, the club has had several days to review film and practice which means Mark Daigneault was able to isolate and work on specific components for the team to improve upon today.
OKC lost their preseason opener 97-113 to the Charlotte Hornets. It’s the third match for Milwaukee who lost to the Grizzlies 77-87 in a shortened game (due to a fire alarm) and another loss to the Nets 115-119 on Friday.
This is the first game in Milwaukee since July 20th when the Bucks won the championship at Fiserv Forum in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
OKC Thunder vs Milwaukee Bucks – preseason preview, keys to match
First and foremost will be who suits up for the Bucks. Based on the two prior preseason games it certainly seems like Milwaukee is exercising caution with injuries and also getting their players rest.
As noted, they played up to July 20th so it’s been a little over two months since that game plus both Middleton and Holiday played in the Olympics. While the players may be inclined to want to suit up given the game is on their home court they’ll be just as likely to sit another match out given the season is a little more than a week away.
Instead of looking at this contest as a measuring stick against the defending champions, it might be better to analyze how well the Thunder rebounds from the loss to Charlotte.
Josh Giddey was one of the few bright spots in that game while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drew copious attention as the primary scoring option on the floor.
Players who will want to have a rebound effort are Darius Bazley who needs to be far more aggressive. Bazley took only four shots missing them all and also missed both free throws. Aleksej Pokusevski was 4 of 12 with three turnovers so he’ll also be looking for a bounce-back effort. In fact, the entire squad should be much more disciplined with the ball to cut back on turnovers as they had 21 in that opening match.
Better shot selection should also be the onus as the team shot a meager 38.4 percent from the field. With all due respect to the Hornets that had far more to do with the Thunder than Charlotte’s defense.
Bucks starting lineup and projected depth chart:
Although the Bucks had not submitted an injury report as of this posting Intentions noted the report from the Friday match. With the Bucks entering the season having the least rest (along with the Phoenix Suns) it’s conceivable they’ll be using the preseason to allow players to get some extra rest and be 100 percent healthy to start the season.
Although there is the potential to see a few more players since this game is on their home court at Fiserv Forum. If they do keep the same players out the Bucks Big 3 won’t play tonight nor will Bobby Portis or Donte DiVincenzo which means five of their top players won’t log time versus the Thunder.
The starting five who played versus the Nets on Friday were:
Tremont Waters, Georgios Kalaitzakis, Jordan Nwora, Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Sandro Mamukelashvili
That’s a forward-heavy lineup and not one we’d expect Coach Bud to run out in consecutive matches. Presumably, a trio of players who weren’t in the mix on Friday will suit up today. If so expect to see former OKC Thunder guard George Hill at the point, Pat Connaughton at shooting guard, and Brook Lopez at center.
The five players above should get more time as well as the quartet who subbed in as reserves:
Elijah Bryant, Justin Robinson, Javin DeLaurier, and Johnny O’Bryant.
Bucks Injuries:
A slew of Bucks missed the game on Friday versus the Nets including:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo – sore left knee
- Khris Middleton — sore hamstring
- Jrue Holiday – sore left knee
- Bobby Portis – strained left hamstring
- Semi Ojeleye – strained left calf
- Rodney Hood – sore right foot
- Grayson Allen – sore left knee
- Donte. DiVincenzo – left ankle surgery
OKC Thunder starting lineup and projected preseason depth chart:
If Mark Daigneault elects to go with the same rotations then the starting lineup will feature Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, Luguentz Dort, Darius Bazley, and Isaiah Roby.
Not everyone got playing time in the last match and that could shift today. Based on the minute allotment (most to least) those who saw time versus the Hornets included: Aleksej Pokusevski, Tre Mann, Gabriel Deck, Ty Jerome, Theo Maledon, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Mike Muscala, Mamadi Diakite, Aaron Wiggins, and Paul Watson.
Healthy OKC Thunder players who didn’t see action were D.J. Wilson and Rob Edwards while Vit Krejci, Derrick Favors, and Kenrich Williams were all out due to injury. The latter trio is expected to be out again for today’s match as well.
OKC Thunder injuries:
Favors is listed as out while he gets into game condition and Williams is out again with the toe sprain. Although Krejci is out it’s not due to the team managing his load as they cautiously bring him back from last season’s knee injury. Rather he’s listed as out for personal reasons. Krejci is dealing with getting the proper paperwork (visa).
Game Specifics:
Tip-off: the game starts at 6:30 p.m. Central Time (7:30 p.m. EST)
Where to watch the game: ESPN is airing the game, it’s one of the few occasions this season a Thunder match will air nationally.
Radio: WWLS 98.1 FM