If coach Scott Skiles had his druthers, there wouldn't be any questions about the Bucks' starting lineup.
"I'd like a set lineup," Skiles said. "Yes, that would be my preference." But just two games into the regular season, Skiles already could be making a change with his first group.
Skiles isn't enamored with the play of power forward Charlie Villanueva. That was evidenced during preseason and in the Bucks' season opener against the Bulls when Skiles played Villanueva only nine minutes.
Skiles has made it clear he likes Villanueva's offensive talents but that he needs to pick up his defense. If Villanueva doesn't, Skiles will turn to veteran Malik Allen or rookie Luc Mbah a Moute, who are superior defenders.
Skiles said he will continue to monitor the situation closely as the Bucks return home for their season opener Saturday night against the Raptors at the Bradley Center.
BUCKS 98, THUNDER 87: Unlike their regular-season opening loss to the Bulls, the Bucks (1-1) moved the ball considerably better against the Thunder Wednesday night at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City. That was particularly the case in the first half, when the Bucks had three players score in double-figures: Andrew Bogut and Michael Redd each had 11 points and Richard Jefferson had 10. That enabled the Bucks to take a 50-35 advantage. They led 79-59 after three quarters and were never seriously threatened. Jefferson, Redd and Charlie Villanueva all finished the game with 20 points.
