Milwaukee will open its 2022-23 season when it travels to Philadelphia on Thursday night. The Bucks blew a 3-2 series lead against Boston in the Eastern Conference semifinals last season. Philadelphia opened its season with a 126-117 loss to the Celtics on the road on Tuesday.
Milwaukee came up short of fulfilling its goals last season, finishing in a three-way tie for second place in the Eastern Conference before losing to Boston in seven games in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Bucks were without All-Star Khris Middleton for that series due to a sprained knee that he suffered against Chicago in the first round. He is going to miss the start of the regular season as well after having wrist surgery, so he will not be on the court for this game. The Bucks will still have two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who also has a Defensive Player of the Year award under his belt.
Smooth or crunchy? ?? pic.twitter.com/cf83kLwy3x
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 19, 2022
Antetokounmpo is not known for his 3-point shooting, but Milwaukee thrived from beyond the arc last year. The Bucks were the only team in the top seven in 3-point percentage (36.6) and 3-point rate (43.0). They had the league’s second-highest opponent 3-point rate as well, with 44.8% of their opponents’ shots coming from distance, which is something to keep in mind as far as the total is concerned in this game. The Bucks have three of the seven highest marks for opponent 3-pointers per game in the 43 years of the 3-point arc existing. Guard Pat Connaughton was one of four Milwaukee players to hit 39% or better from downtown last year, but he is also sidelined right now (calf).
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