Milwaukee Bucks Preview: Game 3 vs Toronto Raptors
By Ti Windisch
Major Key For Milwaukee: Trim The Rotation
Jason Kidd has done a great job of getting his guys ready for the playoffs. The Bucks haven’t shied away from a single moment, and were it not for some bad luck on jumpers attempted by Malcolm Brogdon and Matthew Dellavedova might be up 2-0 right now.
Where Kidd could use some work are his rotations. Spencer Hawes should not be playing in playoff games unless they’re essentially over. He’s bigger than either Thon Maker or Greg Monroe (when looking at verticality combined with bulk) but Monroe was actually a better rebounder than Hawes in the regular season, as per total rebound percentage.
Monroe and Thon played just 21 and 20 minutes, respectively, in Milwaukee’s last game. Those two should be combining for 48 minutes a night, if not more. Moose has been waiting his whole career for this opportunity, and he’s been outstanding in the postseason. Let him loose.
Maker may not have had long to wait to become a playoff starter, but as Adam McGee explored a few days ago he’s a game-changer for the Bucks defensively. His spacing is also a huge help–especially when he’s been more likely to make a three this season than Mirza Teletovic, who has yet to make a shot in the postseason.
More Monroe, Thon and Tony Snell, who’s playing just over 27 minutes per game, could allow Kidd to avoid using Hawes and Teletovic, considering the latter hasn’t found his rhythm all season in Milwaukee.
Having Mirza catch fire now would be great, but Milwaukee has enough other shooters to survive without him, and the stakes are too high for this to be a good time to see if Teletovic is going to be good on any certain night.