OKC Thunder vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Game Preview, Keys to the Game, Betting Odds

The Oklahoma City Thunder are taking on the Milwaukee Bucks with each team on the second night of a back-to-back here is everything you need to know about this matchup.

Dec 17, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (5) dribbles against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the 3rd quarter of the Emirates NBA Cup championship game at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images / Candice Ward-Imagn Images

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Milwaukee Bucks meet for the third time this season, which is ultra-rare for a cross-conference matchup. This was only made possible by each team playing an 83rd game in the NBA Cup Championship, which the Bucks won. That game did not count toward the regular season standings or stats and that leaves the season-series at 1-0 in favor on the Thunder on paper, after OKC got a big home win over a short handed Bucks squad.

These two teams also come into this game on the second night of a back-to-back after each picking up wins over Eastern Conference playoff teams on Saturday. The Bucks downed the Pacers and the Thunder out classed the Pistons.

Each team has yet to submit an NBA Injury Report, by rule of the NBA on the second night of a back-to-back which makes this preview an interesting one.

Oklahoma City guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dunks the ball in the third quarter during an NBA game between Oklahoma City and Milwaukee at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. / NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

ODDS:

The Thunder enter the day as 4-point favorites against the Milwaukee Bucks, and the total over/under is 231.5 points, according to FanDuel.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

Without knowing who is in or out for each side, it feels safe to assume Chet Holmgren will return to the Oklahoma City Thunder lineup after resting on Saturday against the Pistons. Holmgren flashed his high-level scoring chops against the Celtics earlier this week and without Jalen Williams, will need to do it again on Sunday to get OKC a win.

Cason Wallace is on a hot-streak scoring the basketball as he gains more on-ball reps this week without Williams. After a 20 point night Saturday, a lot will be on him to keep the Thunder offense in a flow without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the floor during the start of the second and fourth frames of this one.

Gilgeous-Alexander took over the game against Detroit en route to 48 points in the Thunder's win, logging 38 minutes of action as the MVP candidate willed a shorthanded OKC squad to a win. Tonight, he will need to carry the load again down at least one of his scoring options as his fellow All-Star is back in Bricktown rehabbing a hip injury.

The Thunder only shot 29% from beyond the arc against the Pistons in a gutsy 113-107 win. Tonight, Oklahoma City will need to shoot the ball better to turn in a perfect three game Eastern Conference road trip.

RECORDS:

Oklahoma City Thunder (55-12) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (38-28)

INJURIES:

Oklahoma City Thunder Injury Report

The Oklahoma City Thunder are on the second night of a back to back and have not submitted an injury report yet.

Milwaukee Bucks Injury Report

The Bucks are also on the second night of a back to back and have not submitted an injury report to the league. The two teams will do so at 1:30 PM local time.

Check out  later today for an updated injury report.

WHEN:

Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 8:30 PM CT

LOCATION:

Fiserv Forum - Milwaukee, WI

TV/RADIO:

ESPN, FanDuel Sports Oklahoma, NBA League Pass, 98.1 FM The Sports Animal

FINAL WORD: 

These two squads are on the second night of a back to back after picking up Saturday wins against Eastern Conference playoff teams. Neither side has issued an injury report for this game to know how they are treating this second leg.

Up next, Oklahoma City will enjoy two days off before hosting the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday inside the Paycom Center.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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