After dropping the last two games, the Bucks look to get back in the win column tonight in Phoenix.
Phoenix suns (7-11)
- 24-58 last season
- 70-68 against Bucks all-time
- 7-8 since their 0-3 start that ultimately got Eric Bledsoe to the Bucks
offensive key
When the Suns have won this season, they’ve been able to keep their opponents to an average of 8 made three-pointers. When they’ve lost, though, they’ve given up an average of 12 three-pointers. That means that the Bucks can help themselves win by making a bunch of three-pointers (I know it sounds crazy, but just trust me). They average 9.4 made three-pointers a game, so 12 is well within reach. Mirza Teletovic (their leader in three-pointers made per game) and Matthew Dellavedova (who is fifth on the team in three-pointers made per game) are both out for tonight’s game, so it will come down to Tony Snell, Malcolm Brogdon, and Khris Middleton.
defensive key
In their seven wins this season, the Suns have averaged 23 assists. In their eleven losses, they’ve averaged just 18 assists. In other words, the defensive key tonight is limiting Phoenix’s assist totals. That means that the Bucks will need to disrupt passing lanes and rack up a few steals, which is basically what they’re built to do with all the length they have. It will be tough without John Henson’s disruptive length on the defensive end (as he’s out tonight too), but if they can hold the Suns under 20 assists, they should be able to secure their ninth win of the season.
Tune in at 8:00 PM CT to see if the Bucks can get back over .500!