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

Injuries and projected starting lineups:

Bucks projected starting lineup:

With Middleton just returning and the Bucks playing the front side of a back-to-back, coach Mike Budenholzer may elect to rest him in this match or the next one depending on how the virus impacted him overall. If the Bucks deem the Magic as the more difficult matchup (they shouldn’t) Bud may rest him in this outing.

• Jrue Holiday – point guard
• Grayson Allen  – shooting guard
• Khris Middleton- small forward
• Giannis Antetokounmpo – power forward
• Bobby Portis  – center

Bucks injuries:

• Brook Lopez (back) continues to be listed as questionable (like he has for the past several weeks)
• Donte DiVincenzo hasn’t played since game 3 of the first round of the 2021 postseason when he suffered ligament damage in his foot.  He remains out with no definitive return date.

OKC Thunder injuries:

•  Tre Mann – injured his ankle versus the Rockets and is questionable for Friday..

History:

A super close match between these clubs all-time with the 145 games played and the OKC Thunder holding a slim one-game edge with 73 wins to the Bucks 72.

Last season, the squads each won the matches on their home courts to split the season series.

Game Specifics:

Venue: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Tip-off: Friday, November 19th, at 7:00 p.m. Central Time (8:00 p.m. EST)

Where to watch: Bally Sports Oklahoma or NBA League Pass

Radio: WWLS 98.1 FM