Brook Lopez Will Show Out
After playing the season opener, Brook Lopez missed a long chunk of the regular season recovering from back surgery. Lopez missed games 2 through 68 for Milwaukee, returning to play in 12 of Milwaukee’s final 14.
The Milwaukee Bucks’ record in those 12 games (9-3) shows they may still be just as dominant as they were last playoffs when Lopez was a key piece to their title run.
Lopez has averaged 12.8 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block since his return late in the regular season. I expect Lopez to surpass these numbers in this first-round series, and to play a key role for the Bucks.
In his last game against Chicago, Lopez scored a season-high 28 points, grabbing a season-high 7 rebounds, and swatting yet another season-high 3 blocks.
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The Bucks/Bulls match-up has proven to be a fruitful one for Lopez. The Chicago Bulls played starting center Nikola Vucevic over 33 minutes per game in the regular season, and he simply had trouble with Lopez on both ends.
Lopez is an effective floor spacer, hitting 40% of his threes during his short regular season. Vucevic will be in trouble trying to guard him, as he’s not quick enough to both defend the rim and contest Lopez on the perimeter.
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On the inside, Lopez has the size and strength to battle with Vucevic on both ends. It’s an ideal match-up for Lopez to shine for Milwaukee.
