The 10-1 Milwaukee Bucks take on the 5-7 San Antonio Spurs Friday night, deep in the heart of Texas. The Bucks will be without Giannis and Jrue as the team continues to adopt the mantra, “No Giannis, no problem.” The Spurs started off “hot” winning five of their first seven games. They have lost their last five games, one by 43 and other by 25.

The Bucks are an experienced, veteran team. The Spurs are a team interested in rebuilding and are very young. Their top player (Keldon Johnson) just turned 23. They dealt another top player, Dejounte Murray, last season for multiple first round picks.

Bucks Keys

Keep winning the rebounding battle: The Bucks continue to lead the NBA in gross-team rebounds per game (51.1). The margin between second place is growing ( Knicks 48.5). If you can control the glass, you “win” the possession battle. By not allowing teams second shots, they score less. It is one of the primary reasons why the Bucks are 10-1.

Keep not fouling: The Bucks are 4th in the NBA in team fouls. (19.7 per game) In last is Golden State with 23.7 fouls per game. (Golden State is a surprising 4-7) It is only a difference of 4. But still, it shows a veteran team showing composure. That is a great sign. 

The Opponent: The Spurs

Well, first, what is up with Josh Primo? The Spurs drafted the 19 year old in the 2021 draft. He has recently been accused (and released by the team) of showing his genitals nine different times to different Spurs employees. GROSS!

In terms of the team, like OKC and Detroit and Houston, they are young. They also are, more than likely, “tanking”. The fact that the Spurs are 5-7 is surprising. Again, they started out hot and have since “cooled”. They are not particularly good at home. Greg Popovich is a legendary, amazing coach who gets the most out of his players. 

Jakob Poeletl and Charles Bassey are good, strong interior players. The continual development of Tre Jones at the point guard position has been good for the Spurs. A former second round pick, Jones really can distribute the ball. It reminds Bucks fans of what happened with Malcom Brogdon.

Things to tell your buddies as you are watching the game

• Mike Budenholzer comes from the Popovich “coaching tree”. He spent 17 years as a Popovich assistant from 1996-2013. 
• Greg Popovich is 73. He is a legendary wine drinker. He is also an amazing tipper. (Tip your servers and bartenders!)
• In 2020-2021, the Bucks were 6-5 without Giannis. In 2021-2022, they were 6-9 without him.

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