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Center Etan Thomas, who started the first two games, missed practice today with a sprained left ankle, an injury he suffered during Saturday's loss in Detroit.

Coach Eddie Jordan said Thomas would be evaluated tomorrow before a decision is made about his status for tomorrow night's game against the Bucks. Jordan did not indicate whom he would start if Thomas is unable to go, but rookie JaVale McGee would be a logical choice.

Everybody else practiced. The Bucks could be without PG Luke Ridnour (back spasms) and SG Michael Redd (sprained right ankle). I'll update as fresh information becomes available. The Bucks are 2-2 and coming off a win over the Knicks.

McGee will have to get the starting nod on Weds.

Good stuff...I don't mean his injury, but McGee getting the nod. I would love to see how he does in a starting role...

My first reaction...



Now McGee will HAVE to play!

My delayed reaction...



Now we'll never be able to trade Etan. Oh well...

It would not shock me to see Pech get the start. Pech (Mr. gym-rat) is better rebounder than McGee and knows our system better. Javale will certainly not ride the pine for zero minutes, that's for sure.

I think Blatche or DSong will start.

closg00 wrote:It would not shock me to see Pech get the start. Pech (Mr. gym-rat) is better rebounder than McGee and knows our system better. Javale will certainly not ride the pine for zero minutes, that's for sure.

There is no chance whatsoever that Pech will start.

nate33 wrote:I think Blatche or DSong will start.

Funny, I was thinking as a rational person would, the thought of D-Song playing Center at-all hadn't even entered my mind. Bummer, watch as EFJ plays Song at Center for most of the game

I would be shocked if Blatche or Songalia didn't start... and delighted if McGee did.

Song wil start and pull down 22 rebounds, can you dig it.

I think Blatche would start, but still would get the quick hook for Songaila after his first bonehead play. Minutes breakdown at C would look like:

Songaila: 30
McGee: 10
Blatche: 8

C'mon, people. You really think McGee or Blatche has a chance of starting? McGee received a big, fat "DNP" last game when we were getting demolished on the boards, and Blatche got a grand total of 4 minutes and 17 seconds in an effort to teach him a lesson (something I'm not necessarily against, so long as it eventually ends).

Songaila will be the starting center tomorrow. I'd bet money on it if I had any money to bet.

miller31time wrote:C'mon, people. You really think McGee or Blatche has a chance of starting? McGee received a big, fat "DNP" last game when we were getting demolished on the boards, and Blatche got a grand total of 4 minutes and 17 seconds in an effort to teach him a lesson (something I'm not necessarily against, so long as it eventually ends).

Songaila will be the starting center tomorrow. I'd bet money on it if I had any money to bet.

EJ loves smallball, but he's not an idiot. He can see that Songaila is outmatched against fresh, starting-caliber 7-footers. He's willing to play Songaila for stretches at center against opposing backups, or tired starters, but I don't think he'll match Songaila up against a top 10-ish starting center with legit size like Bogut.

I'd say there's a 60% chance that Blatche will start, Songaila 30%, McGee 10%.

tkunit wrote:Song wil start and pull down 22 rebounds, can you dig it.

No, no i can't.

nate33 wrote:

miller31time wrote:C'mon, people. You really think McGee or Blatche has a chance of starting? McGee received a big, fat "DNP" last game when we were getting demolished on the boards, and Blatche got a grand total of 4 minutes and 17 seconds in an effort to teach him a lesson (something I'm not necessarily against, so long as it eventually ends).

Songaila will be the starting center tomorrow. I'd bet money on it if I had any money to bet.

EJ loves smallball, but he's not an idiot. He can see that Songaila is outmatched against fresh, starting-caliber 7-footers. He's willing to play Songaila for stretches at center against opposing backups, or tired starters, but I don't think he'll match Songaila up against a top 10-ish starting center with legit size like Bogut.

I'd say there's a 60% chance that Blatche will start, Songaila 30%, McGee 10%.

It isn't about smart or dumb with EJ, in my opinion. It has to do with comfort level. Rain or shine, he feels very comfortable with Darius Songaila. He doesn't have anywhere near that comfort level with Blatche or McGee.

nate33 wrote:EJ loves smallball, but he's not an idiot. He can see that Songaila is outmatched against fresh, starting-caliber 7-footers. He's willing to play Songaila for stretches at center against opposing backups, or tired starters, but I don't think he'll match Songaila up against a top 10-ish starting center with legit size like Bogut.

I'd say there's a 60% chance that Blatche will start, Songaila 30%, McGee 10%.

NOT an idiot???? were talking about a coach that starts Etan against Z in a playoff series while his 7 footer is on the bench.

If Etan doesn't suit up, the pessimist in me is thinking similar to what MJG posted - Blatche will get the starting nod and get yanked early after some careless fouls or boneheaded plays. If that happens, it'll be interesting to see if he's given a shot to redeem himself by starting the 2nd half.

The optimist in me says Blatche will seize the opportunity, do the things he's supposed to do (e.g. take care of the ball, play solid D, rebound etc.) and finish with a nice stat line while logging 30+ minutes (and hopefully continue until Wood returns).

As far as DSong, I don't think he'll start, but if Etan is a no go, I think it's a lock he'll log extended minutes at C (especially if the pessimist in me is right).

I'd like to see McGuire play C just for giggles.

Diaw did it a whole season when Stoudemire was injured.

I think McGuire's rebounding is way better than Darius. All he would have to do on offense is pass or hit an open jumoper. On defense he'd have to use his feet to stop dribble penetration. I think EJ could do small ball with McGure at C for 5-10 minutes here and there.

Buit before you flame my imagintive post, I'll say I expect Blatche will get the start and that he'll play well at C.

I can understand that line of thinking

but here's the difference, PHO has/had Amare at PF, a big strong
studly physical guy. While we have an all-star but not the physical
force that Amare is.

Center Etan Thomas, who missed practice the last two days with a left ankle injury, did not participate in shootaround this morning here in Milwaukee and remains a game-time decision. Look for another post with a Thomas update, starting lineups for both teams and other information a little later from the Bradley Center

I hope Etan doesn't take as-along as Pech to heal an ankle

Didn't feel like starting an Amazingly Sucky Etan Thomas thread, but if you want a good laugh, go look at the 82games.com on/off numbersfor Etan.

The team is -37.1 per 100 possessions when Etan is on the floor!

Opponents average 143.4 points per 100 possessions while we average just 104.9.

Our eFG% allowed is 67%!