Thunder Gameday: Bringing Four-Game Winning Streak Into Matchup of Contenders in Milwaukee

The Thunder will face one of their biggest tests of the rest of the season against the Bucks.

Milwaukee Bucks v Oklahoma City Thunder / Ian Maule/GettyImages

The Oklahoma City Thunder have another chance to prove their viability as a title contender.

The Thunder will continue a three-game road trip in Milwaukee in a matchup with the Bucks. In the first matchup between the teams this season, the Thunder will get an opportunity to take on a couple of stars.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard have led Milwaukee to the East’s second-best record this season, but Oklahoma City is up for the challenge. Behind a big three of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, Sunday’s matchup will be a star-studded affair.

Oklahoma City Thunder v Toronto Raptors / Cole Burston/GettyImages

ODDS: 

The Thunder enter the day as 2-point underdogs to the Bucks, and the total over/under is 233.5 points.

KEYS TO THE GAME: 

In getting 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 in the top seven in shooting from inside and outside the 3-point line. 

Outside shooting is bound to have an immense 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 could be the most important factor.

This season, Antetokounmpo has shot 75% within five feet on more than 12 attempts per game. Considering Antetokounmpo’s rebounding ability, stopping him and controlling the defensive glass is a must. 

Although Milwaukee might 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 regular 30-point performance against the Bucks' below-average guard defenders.

Meanwhile, the Thunder will need solid defensive performances from Lu Dort and Cason Wallace to slow down Lillard, who has had an up-and-down season.

RECORDS: 

Oklahoma City Thunder (49-20) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (45-25)

INJURIES: 

Check out our live injury tracker, along with our game day injury report that will release later today.

WHEN: 

Sunday, March 24, 2024, at 6 PM 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)

FINAL WORD:  

The Thunder will have some other difficult road games out East to finish the season, but getting wins against contenders like the Bucks is needed to keep the top seed in the West. 

Oklahoma City will finish its road trip on Tuesday in New Orleans to complete the season series against the Pelicans.

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