The first two weeks of the NBA season has seen the Bucks swinging between a well oiled machine and a stumbling mess on the court. Last night was more of the latter as the Bucks dropped a 99-83 performance against the Boston Celtics. As Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greg Monroe were phased out largely due to foul trouble, responsibility fell to the rest of a roster that has been as hit-or-miss as one can be thus far this year. Heading out West for the first time this year presents the opportunity to reset on the road after some lackluster performances at home in a close win over the Nets and a semi-blowout v. the Celtics. Unfortunately, the first crack out West is in a city renowned as one of the toughest for visiting teams to play in. Let’s get to the preview!

The Logistics

When – 8:00 PM Central

Where – Pepsi Center, Denver, CO

TV & Radio – FS Wisconsin; 620 WTMJ

Probable Starters

Milwaukee Bucks (4-4) Denver Nuggets (3-4) Tyler Ennis PG Emmanuel Mudiay Khris Middleton SG Gary Harris Giannis Antetokounmpo SF Danilo Gallinari Johnny O’Bryant PF Kenneth Faried Greg Monroe C J.J. Hickson

Storylines of the Night

Nuggets Update

For a short while after the Carmelo Anthony to New York trade, the Denver Nuggets were able to sustain a certain modicum of success. Regular playoff appearances weren’t uncommon as was being a respectable opponent against most NBA competition. At the moment, however, the Nuggets are in beginning steps of a rebuild led by rookie point guard Emmanuel Mudiay. Their roster features only three players under the age of 24 (Mudiay, Gary Harris, and Nikola Jokic) and is a sure signal that sustained success into the future will come only when a slew of developing players are acquired.

Unlike a Milwaukee Bucks team that utilizes one of the youngest starting 5s in the entire league, Denver is often forced to rely on veterans who either A) Specialize in a specific role and provide little else or B) Haven’t developed much beyond a certain skill set without promise of improvement in the future. Danilo Gallinari and Kenneth Faried, ages 27 and 26 respectively, are each solid role players on their own and would add a needed infusion of talent to a competitive team. Unfortunately, their abilities aren’t enough to drag this Nuggets team to victories on their own given the current makeup of the roster.

So, with the above factors top of mind, we find the Nuggets at a respectable 3-4 record on the year! Surprisingly, the Nuggets have dropped 2 of 3 at home in an environment considered an extra challenge for visiting teams due to the altitude factors in Denver. They’re 21st in the league in both offensive and defensive rating (101.0 and 105.8) which is to be expected since a rash of injuries to contributors like Wilson Chandler & Jameer Nelson, alongside the inclusion of new head coach Mike Malone keeps Denver from truly being at full strength.

If there are points of differentiation stat-wise that can present issues for Milwaukee this evening, it is that Denver shoots a respectable percentage from the 3-point line (33.5% good for 15th in the league) and their tendency to stack the interior defensively to shut out action in the paint resulting in a goodly number of blocked shots. The Bucks have tended to both give up great barrages of painfully wide open 3s to other teams and when the backups are in a lack of ability to rush the basket forces a slowed pace of unhelpful passes, dribble moves, and contested jumpers.

Jabari Set to Sit

Small bit of news, but it appears as though Jabari Parker will be listed as out this evening, per Charles Gardner:

Jabari Parker said he "probably won't" play in second of back-to-back set on Wed. in Denver. — cfgardner (@cf_gardner) November 11, 2015

Keeping him out isn’t overly notable since it was detailed before Parker’s return that he wouldn’t be featured in the second game of a back-to-back, but it is odd given Jabari started in both games against the Knicks and Nets on consecutive nights last week. Most likely the move is one meant to help Parker rest and recover a bit after quite a few minutes since returning to the court.

Searching for Khris Middleton

Since signing a 5 year, $70 million extension in the offseason with Milwaukee, a move that cemented Middleton’s importance as a core piece moving forward, Khris has been largely underwhelming. After a flashy coming out game v. the Bulls to kick off the preseason, Middleton disappeared almost overnight. His 36.7% from the floor is a good 10 percentage points lower than his marks last year, and his per 36 rebounding, assist, and attempt numbers have all either dropped or kept barely at pace.

One must consider the fact that we’re simply 8 games into an 82 game year and that production from Middleton shouldn’t be the core to keeping the offense humming. His 3P% is actually a bit higher so far this year than his average of last season, and turnovers have dropped slightly as well. Last year the role of creator fell upon him and Brandon Knight and it was clearly an assignment Khris wasn’t well suited for. Creating his own shot, driving to the basket, etc. aren’t particular things that he excels at and it was obvious when the spotlight was forced upon him. Instead, with time Middleton should be able to allow the rest of the offense to drag the D away from him opening space for plenty of catch-and-shoot 3s.

Slow starts aren’t especially uncommon in the NBA no matter what the stat lines of superstar players tell you. Systematic issues, a mental block, or a tendency to push too hard could all be contributing at the moment to Khris’s play. As of this moment, we’ll log it as “no need to worry” and keep it there until otherwise noted.