Milwaukee Bucks: 3 things to watch for squaring off against New Orleans Pelicans

Contrasting styles

As it relates to the game Tuesday night, the Bucks and the Pelicans certainly draw many similarities as it relates to their respective styles of play. But the one exception is how both teams have operated on the glass on both ends of the floor.

All season, New Orleans has been one of the top NBA teams in being able to collect their own misses and extend their offensive possessions.

Since the turn of the new year, as well as Williamson making his highly anticipated debut, the Pelicans have a 30.9 offensive rebounding percentage since the start of 2020, which ties them with the Denver Nuggets for the top spot. On the other side of the ball, however, the Pelicans have posted a 71.4 defensive rebounding percentage during this span, a mark that places them 25th in the NBA.

Of course, the Bucks have maintained their habit of snaring down defensive rebounds more than anyone else in the league and are on track to make history in this department. And as all Mike Budenholzer-led teams have done throughout his coaching career, the Bucks have all but abandoned crashing the offensive glass where they have the second-worst offensive rebounding percentage (24.3 percent) on the season, behind the San Antonio Spurs.

There are certainly flashier aspects to the game, but the possession battle and the strength of both teams in that sense could inform which team takes the second game in the season series between the two clubs.

The Bucks’ meeting with the Pelicans will tip at 6:30 p.m. central time at the Smoothie King Center.