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Milwaukee Bucks: Preseason Preview – Oct. 2 at Dallas Mavericks

By Ti Windisch

MILWAUKEE, WI - JANUARY 08: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks attempts a three pointer with Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 defending during the first quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center on January 08, 2016 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - JANUARY 08: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks attempts a three pointer with Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 defending during the first quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center on January 08, 2016 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – APRIL 15: (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 15: (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Major key for Milwaukee – Keep the ball moving

As previously mentioned, the Bucks will be without both Giannis and Jabari when they take on the Mavericks. Talent-wise, those two are the best scorers the Bucks have and it’s not really all that close, especially since Michael Beasley left Milwaukee.

Khris Middleton and Greg Monroe can definitely get some buckets themselves, but the Bucks are going to have a weakened offensive attack. To circumvent not having a go-to scorer, Milwaukee will have to rely on ball movement to score points on Monday night.

The Mavericks had an average defense last season, and if Nerlens Noel is truly riding the pine to start the game so that Dirk can play center Dallas will be vulnerable down low. In order to take advantage of that weakness, the Bucks players will have to look to make extra passes all night.

The worst outcome for Milwaukee’s offense would be a devolution into Middleton ISOs and Monroe post-ups. Those kinds of forced actions on offense just typically aren’t that effective, unless the players running them happen to be truly elite at that type of scoring. There’s no I in team, but there is one in ISO.

Luckily, the Bucks have a lot of players who can keep the ball zipping around on that end of the floor. If the team can pass up good shots in favor of great ones, Milwaukee will have a much better chance to survive without their young Bucks.

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