Milwaukee Bucks: Analyzing Thon Maker/Jonas Valanciunas Matchup

Conclusion

The history seems to suggest that Thon Maker won’t be able to get much done against Jonas Valanciunas when the two share the floor, although 10 minutes isn’t much of a sample size to base much of anything on.

Raptors head coach Duane Casey has to make a tough decision about this matchup, if the Bucks decide to start Maker. Valanciunas should be able to body the young center, but is it worthwhile to take the ball out of the hands of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan to exploit that matchup?

Much of playoff coaching is adjusting to make matchups more favorable on the fly. Expect to see Jason Kidd turn to one of his stockier centers if Valanciunas starts to abuse Thon down low, and don’t be surprised if Casey slides Serge Ibaka down to the five to keep up with Maker if Thon starts nailing threes over Valanciunas.

Although the stars are Toronto’s guards and Giannis Antetokounmpo, seeing how the coaches involved in this series decide to use their centers throughout the games will be a fascinating chess match.

Next: Milwaukee Bucks: Player Power Rankings (April 6-April 12)

Valanciunas is bigger and more proven, and Thon could end up playing his typical ten minutes per game in the playoffs and not function as a true starter. Still, it seems wise to see if Maker’s spacing can give the Bucks an edge against Toronto.