The Milwaukee Bucks are “hot”- Bet the “farm” on a Bucks win
The (38-21) Milwaukee Bucks take on the (15-43) Charlotte Hornets on the road in Charlotte for the last time these teams will face each other this season. We can truthfully say “last time” because Charlotte is not going to make the playoffs. They are still not officially mathematically eliminated, but, well, they are looking ahead to next season.
The Bucks simply hammered on Charlotte Tuesday night at the Fiserv forum. (123-85)
Charlotte was simply outgunned and the Bucks continue to impress with a seemingly new defense that is both effective and “championship level”
Fans “in the know” are happy that Doc Rivers appears to have more of a process for managing the game and for leading the team. The team has been hot after the all-star break, winning all of the games they have played.
Vegas has the Bucks as 12-point favorites with a 90% chance to win. Milwaukee continues to improve and it is not a surprise they are such a big favorite on the road.
Like a rice Krispy treat with nerds candy on top, fans are still hopeful this whole deal comes together.
Related: Guessing out the Milwaukee Bucks record
The Keys to a Milwaukee Bucks Win
Score over 123 points (Feels like a Magic Number)
The team is currently second in the NBA in scoring. (121.8 points per game)
The Bucks also just beat Charlotte by scoring 123 points.
In this space, we are still trying to figure out that “total game points” magic number. (Yes, we all get it, if you score more points than they do, you win!) Because the defense seems to be improving under Coach Rivers, the Bucks do not seem to need to score more than 120 points to be in a game.
Related: Is there a Doctor in the House? Should the Bucks try to Hire Doc Rivers to Coach?
Rebound the Basketball
Last season the Milwaukee Bucks were the NBA’s top rebounding team. (48.6 rebounds per game)
This year they are 11th (44.2 rebounds per game)
It is crazy to see how much they have improved as a rebounding unit under Rivers.
When you control the glass you can also control the tempo of the game. This team needs to do better and it starts with some basic fundamentals: box out your man and put your body in a position to get the rebound.
Defend the Ball
Milwaukee gave up a lowly 26 points to Charlotte in the first half of Tuesday’s game.
26 points! That was all they could score.
If Milwaukee can defend again like that this should be an easy win for the Bucks.
The Opponent: The Charlotte ~Bobcats~ Hornets
Brandon Miller appears to be the real deal. However against Milwaukee on Tuesday he only had 14 points on 6 of 14 shooting.
Charlotte has not been all that good this season. Their top scorer is LaMelo Ball (22.2 per game). He did not play against Milwaukee on Tuesday. He might not play tonight. He seems to be able to pick and choose when he wants to play.
Their top rebounder is their former first round pick (2022) Mark Williams. The 2nd year player out of Duke is averaging 9 rebounds per game.
LaMelo Ball also leads the team in assists (8.6).
Miles Bridges should also play. Dealing with some off-court issues has kept him out for a large chunk of the season.
Charlotte was a “seller” at the deadline. They moved Gordon Hayward, P.J. Washington and Terry Rozier for younger players and picks. Terry Rozier was traded to the Heat a few weeks ago. P.J. Washington was traded to Dallas.
Against the Bucks in that big loss on Tuesday the Hornets started Terrance Mann at point guard, Nic Richards at center and Caleb Martin at small forward. Having a group out there like that simply is not going to win many games unless they can somehow have a magical game from the three point line.
Things to tell your buddies as you are watching the game
- Remember the classic Charlotte Hornets starter jacket? They seem to be coming back into style.
- The Hornets franchise all-time leading scorer is Kemba Walker (12,009 points).
- The top five Milwaukee Bucks all-time leading scorers are: Giannis #1 ( 18.029) Kareem #2 (14,211) #3 Khris Middleton (12,104) #4 Glenn “Big Dog Robinson” (12,010) and #5 Sidney Moncrief (11,594).
- The Charlotte Hornets used to be the Charlotte Bobcats. Former owner George Shinn moved the team to New Orleans. Then the NBA put another team back in Charlotte in 2004. (The Bobcats). Finally in 2015 it seemed to be agreed upon that Charlotte would be the Hornets and New Orleans would be the Pelicans.
- The Bucks lead the all-time series 67-60.
Follow me on Twitter at @authorrudylb and check out my other writings at www.rudylb.com. Follow us at @WiSportsHeroics! For all things Wisconsin sports, click here! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!
