The Milwaukee Bucks look to complete an undefeated preseason with a win against reigning NBA champions Oklahoma City Thunder tonight at Fiserv. After beating the Chicago Bulls 127–121 on Sunday, the Bucks sit
at 3–0, while the Thunder are currently 2–2 with a game to come against the Denver Nuggets.
Where We’re At
Giannis trade noise aside, the Bucks have made positive steps as they prepare to embark on their 2025–26 campaign. Perhaps most noticeably, there’s been a shift in aggression across the board—players are diving for loose balls in preseason—thanks in large part to Jon Horst’s roster construction, which has prioritised youth and, oftentimes overlooked, internal competition. Regarding the latter, with just four days until the Bucks need to finalise their roster—anyone who’s not fully guaranteed needs to be waived by the 18th for them to not count against the cap—tonight’s matchup might just determine who’ll draw the short straws. With Thanasis Antetokounmpo ostensibly guaranteed a spot, the battle for the two remaining roster positions boils down to the quartet of Chris Livingston, Andre Jackson Jr., Tyler Smith, and Amir Coffey (even if Gary Harris makes for a better cut candidate). So, keep your eyes out for who gets the minutes tonight and, more importantly, does something with them.
After winning last season’s NBA championship, the Thunder have unsurprisingly doubled down on their core trio, signing MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, All-NBA third teamer Jalen Williams, and rising star Chet Holmgren to contract extensions that will ensure the team’s window for contention remains open for the foreseeable future. Make no mistake about it, this team is stacked with talent from top to bottom, but it’s its cohesion—how it coalesces—that makes it so good. New to the team are draft picks Thomas Sorber out of Georgetown (15th overall), who unfortunately tore his ACL during an offseason workout, and Brooks Barnhizer out of Northwestern (44th overall). This preseason, the Thunder have been selective with their lineups, favouring rest for the regulars and opportunities for the young guys.
Injury Report
With Kyle Kuzma playing—and putting in work—against the Bulls, the Bucks appear fully healthy and ready to go (though Harris is listed as day-to-day for rest). Let’s hope this is a good omen for the regular season on both fronts!
For the Thunder, it’s anyone’s guess who’ll actually suit up given their extensive injury list. Notable names include Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, Holmgren, Lu Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Alex Caruso, all of whom are listed as day-to-day. Kenrich Williams (knee) and Nikola Topic (testicular surgery) are both out, as is the aforementioned Sorber (ACL).
Player To Watch
After a surprise podium appearance during Media Day, Amir Coffey seemed to be on the verge of securing a roster spot—and even a key rotational role—for the season, especially considering the team’s lack of traditional depth at small forward. Yet, through three preseason games, he’s been merely okay at best, averaging just 3.0 PPG, 1.3 RPG, and 0.3 APG in 11.5 MPG, shooting 33% from the field and 43% from deep. Now, with AJ Green beefed-up and assaulting the rim, firming as the starting three, and oft-maligned Taurean Prince looking much better in a more fitting reserve role—not to mention Livingston and even Jackson playing well when given the chance—suddenly Coffey could find himself back on the outer. While it’s unlikely he’s cut—Doc Rivers has alluded to him spot-starting at times—it sure would be nice to see him show out at least a bit and remind us why Forbes’ Mat Issa dubbed him “the league’s best kept secret” during free agency. Shows us what you’ve got, Amir!
How To Watch
Peacock and FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin at 7:00 p.m. CDT.
