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Published Fri, Nov 20, 2009 04:08 AM
Modified Fri, Nov 20, 2009 04:59 AM

Gameday: Bobcats at Bucks, 8:30 p.m.

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By Rick Bonnell - rbonnell@charlotteobserver.com

Bobcats at Bucks

8:30 p.m., Bradley Center

TV: SportSouth*. Radio: WBCN-AM 1660

Projected Starters

BOBCATS

BUCKS

Pos

Player

Reb

Pts

Pos

Player

Reb

Pts

R. Felton

2.9

11.2

B. Jennings

4.7

24.8

S. Jackson

7.0

19.5

C. Bell

3.6

6.3

G. Wallace

11.5

13.2

C. Delfino

4.1

8.9

B. Diaw

5.4

13.2

E. Ilyasova

6.6

9.4

T. Chandler

6.5

6.1

A. Bogut

9.2

16.1

Matchup to Watch

Brandon Jennings versus Raymond Felton: The rookie who spent last season playing overseas (while waiting out the NBA's draft-eligibility rule) has been a sensation, scoring 55 in a recent game versus the Golden State Warriors. Bobcats coach Larry Brown often calls Felton an underrated defender; this would be an ideal time for Felton to justify that description.

Observations

Jennings' prodigy act as a scoring point guard has compensated for a patellar-tendon injury that has kept out Bucks shooting guard Michael Redd.

The Bucks drafting Jennings 10th overall was considered a bit of a risk because he didn't play much last season in Europe. It was a good business deal for Jennings, who reportedly made about $1.2 million last season to skip college ball. Credit Bucks GM John Hammond, who played a big role in Detroit, helping to build the Pistons team Brown coached to an NBA title.

After outrebounding their opponent in the first five games, the Bobcats have been outrebounded in four of the six straight losses. The Bucks lead the NBA in rebounding differential.

The Bucks are also among the NBA's best teams in forcing turnovers, a worry considering how shaky the Bobcats' ballhandling has been so far.

Tap-ins

Bobcats big men Tyson Chandler and Boris Diaw are both nursing sore backs.

Bucks forward Hakim Warrick is now coming off the bench after several starts.

Boris Diaw and Tyson Chandler, both with back injuries, are listed as probable for tonight.

Bucks defensive specialist Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (sprained left foot) should be a game-time decision.

Did you know?

Jennings' status was so uncertain on draft night that his agent chose not to have him sit in the "green room," in case he drifted late in the first round. Then, a while after he was chosen, he showed up unexpectedly, to go through the traditional shake of commissioner David Stern's hand. Now he's the early favorite for rookie of the year. Rick Bonnell

* Not available on all cable systems.

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