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Will Jrue Holiday & Giannis Antetokounmpo Play Tonight? OKC Thunder vs Milwaukee Bucks: Preview, Lineups & Predictions

Published 02/14/2021, 12:00 PM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

Both the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Milwaukee Bucks have a chance to snap their respective losing streaks. While the Bucks lie 2nd in the Eastern Conference Table (with a 16-10 record), their opponents lie precariously out of the playoff places in 14th places in the Western Conference standings (with a 10-15 record).

Date & Time: February 14, 2021, 8pm ET

Venue: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City

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via Imago

Preview | OKC Thunder

One can’t help but feel for the Thunder. They went into the double-header against the LA Lakers as massive underdogs, but nearly upset them and lost in the overtime. They lost in a similar fashion against the Denver Nuggets by surrendering a lead heading into the fourth quarter except it didn’t exceed the regulation time.

Yet again, they will have to contend without the services of their best player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who will sit out his third consecutive game with a knee sprain.

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USA Today via Reuters

Starting 5 for the OKC Thunder

Guard – Luguentz Dort

Guard – Hamidou Diallo

Center – Al Horford

Forward – Darius Bazley

Forward – Kenrich Williams

Preview | Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks have themselves been uncharacteristically out of form lately. Perhaps, it is compounded by the absence of Jrue Holiday. He will miss out once again because of the league’s health and safety protocols.

So, Giannis Antetokounmpo will continue leading the team on not just the offensive end of the floor but also the defensive. His long arms have helped him produce 1.2 blocks and 1 steal per game. Although he is no longer in the MVP contention, he is still playing at that level.

Starting 5 for the Milwaukee Bucks

Guard – Donte DiVincenzo

Guard – Bryn Forbes

Center – Brook Lopez

Forward – Khris Middleton

Forward – Giannis Antetokounmpo

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Predictions | Thunder vs Bucks

The Bucks are the favorites to snap their losing streak and return to winning ways. But it is important to note that OKC Thunder has a penchant for upsets and coming to the fore in the big names. They will themselves be looking to change their dismal fortunes of late.

USA Today via Reuters

Since both teams are missing key starters, it could be an interesting match. But one where the balance of the scale is slightly in favor of the Bucks.

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How Has Milwaukee Bucks Superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo Changed His Game This Season?

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Written by:

Bharat Aggarwal

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Bharat Aggarwal is a sports analyst for EssentiallySports, covering Formula 1 and NBA. A Delhi University graduate, Bharat has multi-year experience in sports writing, having closely worked with the content strategy aspect as well. Bharat Aggarwal supports Manchester United, Lewis Hamilton, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal, Dirk Nowitzki, Sachin Tendulkar, Ayrton Senna, Kristaps Porzingis, and Dallas Mavericks.
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