The Milwaukee Bucks are set to host the red-hot Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night at Fiserv Forum, with tip-off scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET. This marks the first meeting between the two teams this season, and it’s shaping up to be a fascinating clash of contrasting trajectories.
Let’s start with the records. The Bucks come in at 18-24, sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference and searching for consistency in a season that’s been anything but smooth.
Meanwhile, the Thunder are soaring. At 36-8, they hold the best record in the NBA and sit comfortably atop the Western Conference.
They’re not just winning-they’re dominating.
Oklahoma City is coming off a statement win, dismantling the Cleveland Cavaliers 136-104. That kind of performance is exactly what you’d expect from a team that’s been firing on all cylinders. The Bucks, for their part, are riding the momentum of a nail-biting 112-110 win over the Atlanta Hawks, a game that required every ounce of effort to close out.
Injury Report: Who’s In, Who’s Out
Both teams are managing a fair share of injuries heading into this one.
Milwaukee is without Alex Antetokounmpo, who’s currently with their G League affiliate. Taurean Prince remains sidelined as he recovers from neck surgery.
Two key rotation players-Myles Turner (left ankle sprain) and Kevin Porter Jr. (oblique strain)-are listed as questionable. Their availability could have a major impact, especially given the Bucks’ thin margin for error against a team like OKC.
On the Thunder’s side, the injury list is a bit longer. Jalen Williams (right hamstring strain), Alex Caruso (right adductor strain), Isaiah Hartenstein (right soleus strain), Thomas Sorber (recovering from ACL surgery), and Nikola Topic (post-surgery recovery) are all ruled out.
Jaylin Williams is questionable with a left glute contusion. That’s a lot of talent on the shelf, but if there’s one thing we’ve learned about this Thunder squad, it’s that they have depth and they know how to use it.
Star Power on Display
Despite the injuries, this matchup still features some of the league’s brightest stars.
For Milwaukee, it all starts with Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP is doing what he does best-putting up elite numbers across the board.
He’s averaging 28.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, continuing to be the engine that drives the Bucks. Kevin Porter Jr. has also stepped into a key role, contributing 16.8 points and 7.4 assists per contest.
If he’s healthy enough to go, his ability to create off the dribble and facilitate could be a difference-maker.
On the other side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is in the middle of a career-defining season. He’s averaging 31.8 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game, and doing it with efficiency and poise.
He’s the kind of player who can take over a game in any quarter, and he’s been doing just that all season. Chet Holmgren continues to impress in his rookie campaign, adding 18 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.
His size, shooting, and rim protection give OKC a unique edge on both ends of the floor.
What to Watch
This game could come down to tempo and execution. The Thunder thrive in transition and love to push the pace, especially when Shai is orchestrating. The Bucks, meanwhile, will need to control the glass and limit second-chance opportunities, particularly if they’re missing key frontcourt pieces like Turner.
Milwaukee’s ability to generate offense outside of Giannis will also be under the microscope. If Porter Jr. is sidelined, that puts even more pressure on the supporting cast to step up-especially against a Thunder defense that’s been surprisingly stout despite their youth.
For Oklahoma City, depth has been their calling card. Even with several players out, they’ve shown they can plug in pieces and keep the machine running. That’s a credit to head coach Mark Daigneault and the system he’s built-one that emphasizes movement, spacing, and defensive versatility.
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just a midseason matchup-it’s a test for both teams. For the Bucks, it’s a chance to prove they can compete with the league’s elite, even while navigating injuries and inconsistency. For the Thunder, it’s another opportunity to flex their depth and dominance on the road.
Either way, expect a competitive game with star power, strategy, and plenty of storylines to follow.