Warriors vs. Bucks Preview: Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, everyone! And happy early Kwanzaa or belated Chanukah for those celebrating those holidays.

As we’ve grown accustomed to, the Golden State Warriors are playing on Dec. 25, and this should be a fun one.

The deets

Who: Golden State Warriors (0-1) at Milwaukee Bucks (0-1)

When: 11:30 a.m. PT

TV: ABC

Streaming: fuboTV

Projected starting lineups:

Warriors: Steph Curry, Kelly Oubre Jr., Andrew Wiggins, Eric Paschall, James Wiseman
Bucks: Jrue Holiday, Donte DiVincenzo, Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez

Last games:

Warriors: Lost to the Nets 125-99
Bucks: Lost to the Celtics 122-121

The story

It’s Christmas between two teams with big dreams who need to find their groove. It’s two-time MVP vs. two-time MVP. Star talent abounds. Length abounds. The season is early but both teams would feel much better with a win.

But mostly, it’s Christmas. The story is that I hope you’re having a good, safe, and healthy day, and that you’re able to responsibly spend time — in person or virtually — with your loved ones.

Players to watch

Warrior to watch: James Wiseman.

Wiseman impressed in his NBA debut, though he often struggled when going against Brooklyn’s starters. After the game he said he needed to be more aggressive, as he only grabbed six rebounds.

He’s going up against one of the best frontcourts in the league in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez. They’re both Defensive Player of the Year candidates, with veteran savvy. Wiseman has a big test.

Buck to watch: Jrue Holiday.

The Bucks big offseason addition was magical in the season opener. He’s a tremendous offensive player, who will give Kelly Oubre Jr. fits. And he’s arguably the best defensive point guard in the league, so it’s not a walk in the park for Steph Curry.

This should be fun.

Matchup to watch: Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. everyone who defends him.

Against the Nets, the matchup to watch was “Kevin Durant vs. everyone who defends him.” Andrew Wiggins struggled. Eric Paschall struggled. Everyone struggled.

Well, let’s try again. Draymond Green will sadly not play, which means we’re deprived of yet another tremendous matchup. And the Warriors will, once again, have to try and piece together a defensive game plan against an elite force.

Keys to victory

• Be competitive on the glass
• Get Steph Curry going
• Limit the offensive impact of Khris Middleton

Let’s go Dubs. Merry Christmas.