A look at three key numbers related to Saturday’s game at the Smoothie King Center between Milwaukee and New Orleans (6 p.m., Fox Sports New Orleans, WRNO 99.5 FM):
72: Combined points scored by Pelicans forward Anthony Davis and Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo during these teams’ last meeting, on March 9. The battle between two of the NBA’s most exciting players, who are known as “The Brow” and “The Greek Freak” respectively, is usually worth the price of admission. In that March matchup, Davis tied his career high by pouring in 43 points (on only 23 shots from the field), while Antetokounmpo’s 29 were his most points in the NBA. It only happens twice a season, but fans everywhere have truly enjoyed watching the rising standouts compete on the same court.
26.4: Davis’ career scoring average vs. Milwaukee, his highest total against any opponent. Next in line are Oklahoma City (24.3 ppg) – arguably the most memorable play of the two-time All-Star’s career came against the Thunder – Atlanta (23.4) and Boston (23.0). His career field-goal percentage in Milwaukee games is 58.1, which is actually only fifth among the 29 opponents. Davis is shooting over 60 percent in his career against two frequent Western Conference opponents, Utah (64.8) and the Lakers (62.9).
4-1, 3-2: Won-loss records for New Orleans and Milwaukee, respectively, over the past 10 days. The Pelicans and Bucks entered 2015-16 with high expectations after reaching the playoffs last spring, but got off to a poor starts, partly due to injuries. However, there have been encouraging signs lately for both clubs, with New Orleans winning four of its past five games and Milwaukee going 7-5 dating back to New Year’s Eve. Both teams need wins badly to move closer to the top eight of their conferences.
