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Milwaukee Bucks Game Preview: Feb. 13 vs Detroit Pistons

By Ti Windisch

Dec 28, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks to drive the ball as Detroit Pistons(1) defends during the second quarter of the game at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Milwaukee defeated Detroit 119-94. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks to drive the ball as Detroit Pistons(1) defends during the second quarter of the game at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Milwaukee defeated Detroit 119-94. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 3, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon (13) shoots the ball during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon (13) shoots the ball during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Major Key For Milwaukee: Keep On Spacing The Floor

There’s a sample size of just one game for this, but starting Thon Maker at the center spot and rolling with Matthew Dellavedova, Tony Snell, Michael Beasley and Giannis Antetokounmpo around him was an effective lineup against the Pacers.

Theoretically, it makes sense. The problem with the 2015-16 Bucks was a definite lack of spacing. Giannis needs room to operate in, and putting him in a unit with three other non-shooters never made all that sense.

Now the Bucks have the ability to put four shooters around the Greek Freak, while still having two players who are 6’11” or taller on the floor. That’s a formerly unthinkable concept, but it’s very real for the Bucks. Even though Thon is still raw and the Bucks got outscored with him on the floor on Saturday, I really want to see that same group start again.

Another part of this major key is Mirza Teletovic. He’s been inconsistent, but more minutes might help with that. This dude does not miss when he’s on.

Defenses have to account for that, which leaves that much more room for the other Bucks to operate within while he’s on the floor. That explains why Milwaukee has a net rating of +7.0 with him on the floor–the best mark among all Bucks.

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