2019 Las Vegas Summer League - Team China vs Milwaukee Bucks: Odds, Predictions and How to Watch

What: Team China vs Milwaukee Bucks

Where: Thomas and Mack Center/Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, NV

When: Wednesday, July 10th at 11:00 PM EST

How (TV): NBATV

Team China (Away)

Head Coach: Li Nan

Tournament Record (Form): 1-2 (LLW)

Projected Starting Five: (G) Ailun Guo – (G) Zhai Xiaochuan – (F) Abudushalamu Abudurexiti – (F) Jiwei Zhao – (C) Zhelin Wang

Last Game Against CHA

Top Performers:

• C Zhou Qi – 17 PTS | 9 REB | 4 BLK
• G Ailun Guo – 12 PTS | 2 REB | 4 AST
• F Jiwei Zhao – 9 PTS | 3 AST | 5 STL

The Chinese National Basketball team made history when they acquired their first win in the 2019 NBA Summer League. While they almost gave up a big lead, the quality of the Chinese squad showed through for the first time.

While they have struggled with the athleticism of these NBA teams to this point, the Chinese National side was able to implement an impressive inside game. Their timely movement and intent to cut off the ball was what helped them to succeed.

China will face off against a challenging Milwaukee Bucks team. The Bucks have the size to challenge the Chinese team in the paint, so Team China will need to have a secondary offensive option if they get shut down at the rim.

Milwaukee Bucks (Home)

Head Coach: Darvin Ham

Tournament Record (Form): 1-2 (LWL)

Projected Starting Five: (G) Matt Farrell – (G) Rayjon Tucker – (F) Sterling Brown – (F) DJ Wilson – (C) Jock Landale

Last Game Against MIN

Top Performers:

• G Elijah Bryant – 31 PTS | 7 REB | 5-7 3PM
• C Jock Landale – 12 PTS | 8 REB | 2 BLK
• F Sterling Brown – 10 PTS | 7 REB | 2 AST | 3 STL

The Milwaukee Bucks fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves in their last match. Despite their passable offense, they were unable to contain the Timberwolves. If the Bucks want to take down an in-rhythm Team China, they will need to clean up their play on both ends.

Whereas most Summer League teams rely on their more veteran players to lead what is generally an inexperienced and hastily composed side, the Bucks were unable to rely on their key pieces. DJ Wilson and Sterling Brown are always active defensively, but they were a combined 1 of 5 from the field in a combined 50 minutes of play.

They received a surprise contribution from Elijah Bryant off of the bench, but they can’t rely on a massive night from an unknown contributor every night. The Bucks need to re-organize before they can defeat Team China.

What’s At Stake?

The Milwaukee Bucks and Team China share a record to this point at 1-2 each. A win will send one rising up the table and one falling.

A win for the Milwaukee Bucks would push them into the Top 15 of the table.

A win for Team China would push them up the rankings but the margin of their recent losses would keep them below teams with an equal record.

Team China Showed Their Discipline

China just best the Hornets at Summer League + China’s player took someone’s ankles. ??? pic.twitter.com/EgGSGEl7ez

— House of Highlights (@HoHighlights) July 9, 2019

Team China was impressive in their recent game against the Hornets. While their first two losses suggested they would struggle all tournament long, the Chinese team displayed some impressive movement and finishing to take down the Hornets.

Led by the penetration of guards Shuo Feng and Ailun Guo, the Chinese team was able to dominate in the paint. Their big men also helped in the passing department, as Zhelin Wang and Zhou Qi’s presence and size alone allowed their guards and forwards to get open on back cuts.

The Chinese national team will need more of the same when they take on the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks’ summer league side plays a lot like their NBA counterparts, so the Chinese team will need to be able to keep up in transition on top of maintaining their offence.

The Bucks Need To Win The Rebounding Battle

The size of Team China is a concern for any team in the tournament. While they’ve been able to challenge anyone at the rim, they’ve not been prolific on the glass. That is the point where the Bucks can take advantage.

The Bucks out rebounded the Timberwolves in their last match 48 to 40. Five different players collected at least six rebounds, but they failed to receive much contribution from DJ Wilson.

While Wilson is coming off of injury, he still needs to do better if he is capable of playing 19 minutes. The Bucks have done well as a unit but will need to increase their energy if they hope to compete with the size of Team China.

Team China Roster Notes

The Chinese National Team has no roster changes of note.

Milwaukee Bucks Roster Notes

The Milwaukee Bucks have no roster changes of note.

X-Factors: Zhou Qi (CHN) vs Elijah Bryant (MIL)

The Bucks and Team China are entering this match with some clear intentions, improve their standing for the tournament phase. Zhou Qi showed that he can still compete with NBA quality while Elijah Bryant has been a fantastic surprise. Both will be key in this matchup.

Zhou Qi

Center | 7-1, 210lb (216cm, 95kg) | China | Exp. 2 Years

1.3 PPG | 0.1 APG | 1.2 RPG | 0.1 SPG | 0.7 BPG | 0.5 TOV | .212 FG% | .105 3P%

In his last match against the Charlotte Hornets, Zhou Qi showed his quality. Coming off of the bench, Qi was able to not only take advantage in the paint but also challenge the Hornets from deep.

Against Charlotte, Zhou Qi contributed 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 blocks. He was impressive from the field, converting on 5 of 9 shots, hitting 3 three-point field goals, and going 4 of 5 from the free throw line.

The Hornets didn’t know how to handle Qi and Team China will hope Milwaukee will have the same issue. He is too big for DJ Wilson to handle and Luke Maye doesn’t have the foot speed to close out on the perimeter. Qi’s versatility will be needed for Team China to succeed.

Elijah Bryant

Shooting Guard | 6-5, 210lb (1.96m, 95kg) | BYU | Free Agent

17.6 PPG | 2.4 APG | 5.7 RPG | 1.4 SPG | 0.4 BPG | 1.8 TOV | .565 FG% | .385 3P%

Watch the highlights of Elijah Bryant’s huge 31-point masterpiece! ????????

pic.twitter.com/AAHAhX7mXA

— Cougs in the Pros (@BYUpros) July 9, 2019

The Milwaukee Bucks received an incredibly surprising contribution from bench player Elijah Bryant. After playing last season with Hapoel Eilat, Bryant won a summer league chance with the Bucks.

In his last game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Bryant was brilliant. In 24 minutes of play, Bryant scored 31 points, grabbed 7 rebounds, and converted on 11 of 15 field goals and 5 of 7 three-pointers.

Bryant will surely be given a larger role in his next match against Team China. If he can continue to replicate his efficiency, more than his overall scoring output, expect him to challenge for a training camp spot.

Team China at Milwaukee Bucks Predictions and Odds

If you are in New Jersey you can bet on the NBA Summer League matches with BetStars. Good luck!

Point Spread

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Total Points

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Money Line

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