When you sign-up through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more >
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
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
China just best the Hornets at Summer League + Chinas player took someones 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 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.
The Chinese National Team has no roster changes of note.
The Milwaukee Bucks have no roster changes of note.
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.
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.
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 Bryants huge 31-point masterpiece! ????????
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.
If you are in New Jersey you can bet on the NBA Summer League matches with BetStars. Good luck!
Sportsbook | China +18.5 | Bucks -18.5 | Link |
---|---|---|---|
BetStars NJ | -111 | -120 |
* 21+ | NJ only | If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER
Sportsbook | Over 169.5 | Under 169.5 | Link |
---|---|---|---|
BetStars NJ | -120 | -118 |
* 21+ | NJ only | If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER
Sportsbook | China | Bucks | Link |
---|---|---|---|
BetStars NJ | +1000 | -5000 |
* 21+ | NJ only | If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER
Christian Jope is a writer, social media strategist, and data analyst. A Queen’s University Alumni, Christian is an author and social media strategist with Raptors Cage, while also working closely with MLSE and Canada Basketball through community-driven events.
Email: [email protected]
More info on Christian Jope
© Rebel Penguin ApS 2023 (a subsidiary of Gaming Innovation Group Inc.)
We support responsible gambling. 21+ Only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
WSN.com is run by iGaming Cloud Inc (a Gaming Innovation Group Subsidiary) and is registered with the New Jersey
Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) under affiliate vendor ID
89744,
with the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) under certificate of registration number SWR-000148, approved by
the
Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board as a gaming service provider, under certificate registration number
117656-1,
possesses a Vendor Minor sports betting license from the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission (account
number 94414163), granted a vendor registration number VR007603-20-001 by the Michigan Gaming Control Board,
an
interim Sports Wagering Supplier license, under license number SWS 066, issued by the West Virginia Lottery
Commission, a sports betting vendor registration, under registration number #100400, issued by the Director
of
Gaming Licensing and Investigations of the Virginia Lottery to operate in the State of Virginia, and a
Vendor
Registration issued by the Sports Wagering Committee of the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation.
Advertising disclosure: WSN contains links to online retailers on its website. When people click on our
affiliate links and make purchases, WSN earns a commission from our partners, including ESPN and various
sportsbooks.