The studs Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard were sidelined with injury on Friday night, so the Milwaukee Bucks faced significant odds before the Oklahoma City Thunder game ever got underway. After all, the Thunder were tied with Denver for the second-best home record in the NBA and were still vying for the top seed in the Western Conference.

OKC Thunder cruise past the Bucks at home with little trouble.

But the Thunder (56-25) eventually wore them out in a 125-107 loss at the Paycom Center after the Bucks (49-32) kept things close for three quarters.

After trailing by as many as 19, Khris Middleton scored nine straight points and 11 of his 18 in the first few minutes of the third quarter to help Milwaukee move within shouting distance at 80-70, but the Thunder would not allow them to go any closer.

Jalen Williams of the Thunder pokes the ball away from Bucks forward Khris Middleton during the second quarter of Friday night’s game at Paycom Center.

The Bucks were led by Middleton, who shot 7 for 10 from the field and finished with seven rebounds, six assists, and 23 minutes of scoring. Brook Lopez added 18 points in the same amount of time. In 21 minutes, Bobby Portis pulled down eight rebounds and scored four points, while Pat Beverley scored 24 points with seven assists and six points.

With 23 points from Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder defeat the injured Bucks 125-107.

For the first time since April 3, Malik Beasley scored in double figures with 17 more points. The only starter to play for thirty minutes was him.

Jalen Williams (17 points), Chet Holmgren (22 points, nine rebounds), and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (23 points, seven rebounds) led the Thunder.

The Bucks still have control over their fate as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference; all they need to do is defeat the Orlando Magic on Sunday afternoon in Florida. This is true even after their loss to the Thunder.

Starting lineup, TV schedule, injury report, and Bucks vs. Thunder game thread at Brew Hoop

However, Doc Rivers stated prior to the game that there are restrictions on how they may achieve it.

Before the game on Friday, he stated, “Listen, we’d love to get the two seed – we have to win a game.”

That’s what’s going on. However, let’s just state that on Sunday, we won’t be playing Dame if he wasn’t correct. If not, something bad happens there and you’ll get into serious trouble. The two seeds are what we desire. There’s no denying it. However, we also want to remain healthy.

Bucks vs. Thunder: Result, Synopsis, and Brew Hoop

The Bucks have a tiebreaker against the New York Knicks and would secure that spot if they win their 50th game of the season. The only other East club capable of winning 50 games is New York.

But if the Bucks fall short in Orlando, there’s a chance they might lose first place.

New York advanced to 49-32 after defeating Brooklyn, while Cleveland advanced to 48-33 after defeating Indiana.

Any club can seize the second spot if the Bucks lose against the Magic. However, Milwaukee’s lowest possible rating is No. 4.