Todd Barin
Web Editorial Associate
Coming off of an unsuccessful trip to Memphis, the Timberwolves will travel to Madison, Wis. on Tuesday evening for a neutral site game against the Milwaukee Bucks.
In Ricky Rubio’s return, the Timberwolves came up short and will look to get their second win of the preseason inside the home of the Wisconsin Badger’s basketball team.
Keep the following storylines in mind in the first matchup of back-to-back preseason games between the Wolves and Bucks:
The Bucks got the better of the Wolves last year winning both games in a convincing manner. In a similar storyline to this preseason, the Timberwolves had difficulty putting the ball in the hoop only shooting 40 percent from the field and 27 percent from beyond the arc. Andrew Wiggins didn’t shoot very well (6-for-17) but did end the game with 20 points, seven rebounds and five assists. The Wolves roster will look a little different this time around as the Wolves played Thaddeus Young, Chase Budinger and Anthony Bennett in their 98 to 84 loss.
Losses. Neither team has looked very sharp this preseason, which explains why both teams just have one win on their record. The Wolves lost by 22 points to Memphis due to poor shooting and 23 turnovers. Gorgui Dieng, despite his -16 plus/minus rating, had a team high 12 points to go along with seven rebounds.
The Bucks played a competitive game against the Washington Wizards, but came up a little short, falling 101 to 105. Khris Middleton, a young up-and-coming small forward in the league, was a bright spot for the Bucks scoring 21 points (9-for-14) in only 22 minutes and shooting 50 percent from deep. The Bucks had five players who put in 12 or more points, while the Wolves only had one in their previous game. If the Wolves are going to win, be prepared for a high-scoring affair on Tuesday night.
If you don’t care about either team, you may want to tune in just to watch this matchup. Arguably the best offensive player for the Wolves will be matching up against the best defender for the Bucks. Antetokounmpo is known as the Greek Freak, and for good reason. Just two years after being drafted at 6’9, 190 pounds, the Athens native is now listed at 6’11, 222 pounds, with a 7’3 wingspan. Last season the 20 year-old Bucks guard/forward hybrid shot 49 percent from the field, while averaging 13 points and seven rebounds. Compare that to the Wiggins (Rookie of the Year) who scored 17 points and grabbed five rebounds per game while shooting 44 percent. Both freakishly athletic in their own manner, this will be a matchup to watch not only tonight, but for years to come.
Wolves: Pekovic (ankle) is out.
Bucks: Miles Plumlee (knee) is questionable. Tyler Ennis (shoulder), and Jabari Parker (knee surgery) are out.
Bucks: PG- Carter-Williams, SG- Antetokounmpo, SF- Middleton, PF- Henson, C- Monroe
Wolves: PG- Rubio, SG- Wiggins, SF- Prince, PF- Garnett, C- Towns
