The Oklahoma City Thunder have another chance to prove their viability as a title contender.
The Thunder will continue a three-game road trip to Milwaukee in a matchup with the Bucks. In the first meeting between the teams this season, the Thunder will have the opportunity to face some stars.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard have led Milwaukee to the second-best record in the East this season, but Oklahoma City is up for the challenge. Behind a trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, Sunday’s game will be a star-studded affair.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Cole Burston/GettyImages
ODDS:
The Thunder enter the day as a 2-point underdog to the Bucks, and the over/under total is 233.5 points.
KEYS TO THE GAME:
Achieving some of the best records in the league, the Thunder and Bucks have been two of the best shooting teams this season. Both teams are top seven in shooting from inside and outside the 3-point line.
The outside shots are bound to have a huge effect on the outcome, but the battle inside could set the tone. Brook Lopez is a solid presence inside, but Antetokounmpo’s effectiveness against Holmgren and the Thunder’s defense might be the bigger factor.
This season, Antetokounmpo shot 75 percent from within five feet on over 12 attempts per game. Given Antetokounmpo’s rebounding ability, stopping him and controlling the defensive glass is a must.
Although Milwaukee may have an advantage in the frontcourt, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can give Oklahoma City the advantage in the backcourt. The Thunder star is likely to get his usual 30-point performance against the Bucks’ below-average defenders.
Meanwhile, the Thunder will need strong defensive performances from Lu Dort and Cason Wallace to slow down Lillard, who has had an up and down season.
FILES:
Oklahoma City Thunder (49-20) against Milwaukee Bucks (45-25)
INJURIES:
Check out our live injury trackingas well as our match day injury report which will be released later today.
WHEN:
Sunday March 24, 2024, at 6 p.m. CT
LOCATION:
Fiserv Forum – Milwaukee, WI
TV/RADIO:
NBA TV, Bally Sports Oklahoma, NBA League Pass, 98.1 FM The Sports Animal
Live Stream: fuboTV (Start your free trial)
LAST WORD:
The Thunder will have some more tough road games in the East to finish the season, but wins against contenders like the Bucks are necessary to maintain the top seed in the West.
Oklahoma City will finish its road trip Tuesday in New Orleans to wrap up the season series against the Pelicans.
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