“Milwaukee at New Orleans on Tuesday night wouldn’t typically jump off the schedule, but think about it. The Greek Freak? Dueling with The Brow? Antetokounmpo vs. Anthony Davis is as underrated (and mouthwatering) an individual matchup as the league can serve up.” – ESPN.com’s Marc Stein in his Monday NBA power rankings column
Other than both being among the NBA’s smallest markets, Milwaukee and New Orleans don’t have a lot in common when it comes to basketball, as members of different conferences who only face off twice a season. Recent Bucks-Pelicans meetings have been very entertaining affairs more often than not, however, due to the presence of Milwaukee rising star Giannis Antetokounmpo and New Orleans three-time All-Star Anthony Davis. One of Davis’ best games as a pro came at the Bradley Center in March 2015, when he poured in 43 points and added 10 rebounds and six assists. In that same game, the “Greek Freak” posted 29 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals and three blocks.
Antetokounmpo figures to be a focal point of the Pelicans’ plan of attack Tuesday, as they try to crack the win column. It’s the first game of a back-to-back for New Orleans (0-3), which travels to face division rival Memphis on Wednesday.
“From playing against him, he’s very long, very athletic, can handle the ball, likes to drive,” Davis said of Antetokounmpo. “We have to try to keep him out of the paint.”
“That’s the future of the NBA,” Pelicans point guard Tim Frazier said of the unprecedented versatility of the 6-11 Davis and 6-11 Antetokounmpo. “Bigs who can bring the ball up the court, set guys up, finish above the rim. They’re special talents.” …
Milwaukee (1-2) has four players averaging at least 6.0 rebounds per game, making it difficult to keep the Central Division squad off the boards. Davis on the Bucks’ size: “They’re very long, very athletic. So that’s definitely a key for us, rebounding, especially defensively. Everybody, 1 through 5, has to crash the boards and box out. By doing that, we’ll be able to run, because (the Bucks) send three or four guys to the glass.” Frazier (5.0 rebounds per game, second on New Orleans): “It’s going to be a group effort from everybody. We’ve got to box those guys out and secure rebounds.”