OKC Thunder open back-to-back versus champion Bucks – preview

Key Stats:

In terms of the big three statistical categories, the Bucks’ numbers aren’t necessarily reflective of their potential given how many core members they’ve missed this season.

As of this writing, they ranked 16th (107.1) offensively, 18th defensively (108.4), and 22nd in net rating with a  minus -1.3 net differential.

In comparison, the OKC Thunder ranks 29th offensively (98.9),12th defensively (105.9 ), and 26th in net differential (-7.0).

Scoring:

The Bucks score 107.9 per game ranking 16th overall and allow opponents to score 109.3 which ranks 21st.

The Thunder ranks 29th in scoring per game with 98.6 points and allows opponents to score 105.9 points per game ranking 13th.

Rebounding:

On the glass, the Bucks are missing the presence of Brook Lopez not so much for his actual rebounds as his blocking out opponents in the paint. In his absence, Milwaukee is grabbing 45.2 boards per game ranking 19th overall, and 9.9 boards on the offensive glass which rank 20th.

OKC ranks fifth averaging 47.7 boards per match ranking them tied for third and 10.4 offensive boards per match which ranks tied for 12th.

Dime dishers:

As for playmaking, Milwaukee averages 22.0 dimes per match ranking 24th while the Thunder dish 20.0 assists which is the worst assist per game ranking in the association.

Perimeter:

Despite missing Khris Middleton for eight games the Bucks shot 35.3 percent which ranks 10th.
while the Thunder struggle from deep shooting 30.5 percent to rank 29th.

Turnovers:

Considering the missing personnel the Bucks do a good job of protecting the ball only turning it over 13.9 times per game ranking 11th overall.

The OKC Thunder struggles with coughing up the ball to the tune of 15.3 times per game which ranks 21st, This is a regression for OKC who began the season as one of the better ball protectors.

Miscellaneous Categories:

While Milwaukee isn’t showing up in the miscellaneous columns much of it is tied to the decimated team the past few weeks.

• Points off turnovers: 15.3 – rank 21st
• Second Chance points: 11.8- tied 20th
• Fast Break points: 12.5 – rank tied 14th
• Points in the paint: 40.9 – rank 27th

Again, Milwaukee aren’t feasting in the defensive miscellaneous categories although that also wasn’t a forte of theirs last season.

• Points off turnovers: 14.7 – rank 5th
• Second Chance points: 12.3 – rank 14th
• Fast Break points: 12.4 – rank tied 16th
• Points in the paint: 47.1  – rank 22nd

NOTE: Stats were pulled on November 18th from NBA official site and as games occur the stats will shift slightly