The Bucks are a very good team. But so far they haven't reached the elite level they were during the past two regular seasons. That's because their defense hasn't reached the No. 2 rating that their offense holds.
There are signs, though, that Milwaukee's defense is coming around. The Bucks have held their last five opponents to an average of 107.4 points. Milwaukee just held the Clippers, the No. 6 scoring team in the league, 15 points under their season average in a 105-100 home win two days ago. 
Denver ranks 11th in the NBA defensively. The Nuggets have held their past four opponents to an average of 106.5 points. This is the Nuggets' third game in four days and second in two days. Denver is short four rotation players because of injuries and sickness. So I don't anticipate a fast tempo from the Nuggets.