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Milwaukee Bucks Game Preview: Jan. 2 vs Oklahoma City Thunder

By Ti Windisch

Mar 6, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives for the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) int he first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 6, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives for the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) int he first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; LA Clippers guard Raymond Felton (2) drives to the basket in front of Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; LA Clippers guard Raymond Felton (2) drives to the basket in front of Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Major Key For Oklahoma City: Play Some Defense

Believe it or not, even though Westbrook scores so much the Thunder would much rather have a low-scoring game than one with huge scoring totals. Oklahoma City is 5-10 when the team gives up 110 or more points, and 8-13 when the opposition scores at least 102 points.

On the other hand, when the Thunder defense is rolling the team becomes unstoppable. When Oklahoma City gives up 101 points or less in a game, the Thunder are 13-0. That makes that 101 point line vital for both teams on Monday night.

If the Bucks can get up past it, their chances of winning increase significantly. Oklahoma City loses 66 percent of the time when they give up at least 110 points, and 62 percent of the time when they give up at least 102. Those are great odds for Milwaukee, compared to the Thunder losing 0 percent of the time when they give up less than 102.

Those numbers make some sense. Low-scoring games are likely closer, and close games have been where Westbrook has shined the brightest this year. With the game on the line, there haven’t been many more effective players than Russ this year. Milwaukee will be much better off if this game is not close late.

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