The end of the season and subsequent excitement of the playoffs have started. The last night of the regular season features a few games that could see rematches in the playoffs. This game, however, may not be seen into the playoffs as the Oklahoma City Thunder travel to take on the Milwaukee Bucks. The Thunder are hovering at the sixth seed in the West while the Bucks have clinched the first seed in the East as well as the best record in the NBA. The prediction may seem easy here with a player like Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the Bucks, but don’t count out a hard-fought game from Russell Westbrook and the Thunder. Here’s a look at the Bucks vs Thunder Preview.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Oklahoma City Thunder Preview
The Bucks Dominance
Giannis has a strong case for MVP this season, only battling James Harden for the crown. His level of play has increased so much in the last year. He’s added a formidable jump shot and the ability to play make this season. In addition to his top tier play, the Bucks have surrounded him with a selection of excellent teammates. An in-season addition of Nikola Mirotic and the rise of 1st-time All-Star Khris Middleton. It also seems that Eric Bledsoe finally wants to be here, instead of his former digs. All of this points towards the Bucks being not only a solid choice in this game but in the playoffs as a whole.
Resilient Thunder
It is a cliche’ to say that a professional sports team has had a roller coaster season, but the Thunder have been on a long ride. Westbrook has averaged a triple-double for the third season in a row, which is once again, historic. Paul George had a moment in the MVP discussion and the Thunder had a few streaks that had them in contention for a top seed in the playoffs. However, those streaks came in losses as well and landed them at the bottom of the West playoffs. Even with all of these ups and downs, the Thunder still show up for every game. They are a force to be reckoned with on any night.
The Matchup
These two have played each other this season already with the Thunder coming out on top 118-112 back in January. That matchup had Westbrook nab yet another triple-double and also Giannis notching a double-double. More was on the line at that time in the season and both teams were fighting for their place. Now, the Bucks are locked into first place and the Thunder are still fighting for possibly a fifth seed or fall to the eighth seed. This game means more to the Thunder and that makes them the better choice in this matchup. Additionally, with the Bucks preparing for the playoffs, Giannis and company may see restricted minutes in this last game. This, of course, makes the Thunder’s job a tad easier and helps them to secure their victory
Anytime a game features an MVP winner (Westbrook), an MVP hopeful (Giannis), and a perennial MVP candidate (George) the matchup is going to be spectacular. The weight of the playoffs makes this an even more interesting outing but will ultimately prove why the Thunder are most likely to leave Milwaukee as winners.
Main Image:
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – DECEMBER 7: Caris LeVert (L) of Brooklyn Nets in action against Russell Westbrook (R) of Oklahoma City Thunder during a NBA regular season game between Brooklyn Nets and Oklahoma Thunder at Mexico City Arena in Mexico City, Mexico on December 7, 2017. (Photo by Daniel Cardenas/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
