Denver Nuggets at Bucks: Two things to watch for

The Denver Nuggets will take on the Eastern Conference power house, Milwaukee Bucks.

The Denver Nuggets are going to be in for a tough match up after a 10 point defeat at the hands of the New Orleans Pelicans.

They will travel to Milwaukee as they try to find a way to slow down the Greek Freak and get back to their winning ways. As of right now, the Nuggets are ranked sixth in the Western Conference with a 10-6 win loss record.

With all of this in mind, what are the things to watch for in this Eastern Conference foe vs. Western Conference foe match up which could be the key to Denver turning the ship around?

More from Nugg Love

• Was trading Bones Hyland a mistake for the Denver Nuggets?
• Did Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets break Anthony Davis?
• Denver Nuggets stars face serious disrespect in recent NBA rankings poll
• What will it take for Denver Nuggets star to become ‘inevitable?’
• Denver Nuggets NBA Training Camp report, other preseason dates to know

Without further adieu, let’s dive in and analyze the aspects to keep an eye on in Milwaukee.

Battle of the Back courts: If you read one of Sir Charles in Charge’s power ranking the top 10 back courts in the league, both Denver’s and Milwaukee’s back courts were ranked in this article with the Nuggets at number three and the Bucks at number eight.

Despite Jamal Murray‘s recent struggles, he can heat up at any time if his 48 point game against the Boston Celtics is any indication. Not to mention, Gary Harris is one of the best off ball guards in the league and is averaging his defensive rating of 109, his best rating since his rookie season.

Eric Bledsoe of the Bucks is one of the most athletic point guards in the league and do not forget, Malcolm Brogden is only a couple of years removed from winning Rookie of the Year. Which ever back court gets the upper hand will help determine the outcome of this game.

A Potential Defensive Battle: As of right now, the Denver Nuggets are ranked sixth in defensive rating at 105.3. The Bucks are ranked one spot ahead of the Nuggets in this category with a rating of 104.4.

The Nuggets are also ranked eighth in steals per game with 8.6 per game and the Bucks are ranked considerably lower in this department at 23rd at 6.8 steals per game.

While both squads are certainly capable of producing potent offense, both of these teams are quite capable of the defensive end of the floor this season.

It is cliche, but it is true: Defense wins championships and it will in this particular game as well.