Milwaukee Bucks: Ultimate preview for playoff matchup with Brooklyn Nets

Can Giannis Antetokounmpo dominate this series for the Milwaukee Bucks?

After witnessing what he did to the Nets in the regular season, Giannis Antetokounmpo is the biggest factor in this series for the Bucks.

The two-time MVP showed up in all three meetings this season by averaging 39.7 points on .489/.385/.731 shooting splits, 10.7 rebounds, and five assists per contest. The biggest takeaway from those matchups was undoubtedly how Antetokounmpo was virtually unstoppable on the offensive end. Scoring efficiently on all three levels, the Nets did not have an answer for him defensively, and time will tell if that holds true in the postseason.

During the regular season, no two players guarded Antetokounmpo more than Brooklyn’s frontcourt duo of Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. Matching up for 139.4 partial possessions, Antetokounmpo scored 85 points on 33-for-79 (42 percent) shooting from the floor in that timeframe. These two will likely see time guarding the Greek Freak yet again throughout the series as they will prioritize slowing down the ultimate bulldozer that is Giannis.

In addition to his hopeful contributions offensively, the Bucks will need the reigning Defensive Player of the Year playing at the top of his game on that side of the ball. While he most frequently defended Jeff Green during the regular season, that will almost certainly not be the case with the Nets at full strength. Just as he did by guarding Jimmy Butler in the last series, Antetokounmpo will likely see time guarding Kevin Durant in this series. As one of the most gifted scorers to ever hit the hardwood, it should be a clash for the ages.

All eyes will be on Antetokounmpo and the Bucks as they tip-off against the Nets tonight. Be sure to catch the action at 6:30 p.m. CST on TNT tonight.