NBA odds: Clippers-Bucks prediction, pick, how to watch
The Milwaukee Bucks welcome the Los Angeles Clippers for an interconference battle on TNT! It’s time to continue our NBA odds series with a Clippers-Bucks prediction and pick.
Is this the Clippers’ year? With the Western Conference up for grabs two weeks before All-Star Weekend, the Clips sit in 4th place with a record (29-25) and just 7.5 games out of first place. They are two games behind the Sacramento Kings who are rising for the top spot in the division. LA is coming off a huge win from behind against the Chicago Bulls that pretty much left this team in disarray.
The Bucks continue to get the job done despite never having a full roster. They are currently (34-17) which puts them 2.5 games behind the Boston Celtics for 1st in the East. The Bucks are one of the best home teams with a record (21-5) that should be in effect tonight. Milwaukee beat the Charlotte Hornets 124-115 on Tuesday night.
Here are the Clippers-Bucks NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel
NBA Odds: Clippers-Bucks Odds
Los Angeles Clippers: +4 (-110)
Milwaukee Dollars: -4 (-110)
Over: 231 (-110)
Minus: 231 (-110)
How to watch the Clippers vs. the Bucks
Television: DTT
Stream: DTT app
Time: 10:00 a.m. ET/7:00 a.m. PT
*Watch LIVE NBA games with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
Why the Clippers could cover the spread
John Wall remains out for the Clippers and Marcus Morris Sr. is questionable with a rib contusion. Other than that, the Clippers are completely healthy again and that’s a huge reason for their success. If this team can stay healthy for the rest of the season, there’s no doubt in my mind that they can make a run out west. The Denver Nuggets are playing well right now, but there’s no clear favorite to win the West. The Clippers must continue to take advantage of their opportunities. They face a tough team in the East tonight who have been dealing with the same issues that LA has…injuries.
It looks like Giannis Antetokounmpo will play tonight but is suffering from right knee pain. The Clippers have two of the best defensemen in the game and that’s a big bonus for tonight. If Kawhi Leonard and Paul George can help slow down the Greek Freek, then LA could sneak out of Milwaukee with a win. LA will need it to be a defensive battle as they’re averaging just 110.6 points per game, which is 28th in the NBA. The Bucks are averaging 114.3, which puts them 17th.
Why dollars could cover the spread
Bobby Portis is out with an MCL sprain and Serge Ibaka is not with the squad currently. Marjon Beauchamp is likely with Giannis but all the Bucks need is Giannis to be healthy to have a chance of beating anyone. Khris Middleton is back in the lineup just as he came off the bench. He scored 18 points in the win over the Hornets and averaged 11.7 points this season. He is an integral part of this team and once he has a few more games in him, he should be back to normal after the All-Star break.
Giannis finished with a massive game against the Hornets with 34 points and 18 rebounds. With the way the Clippers are playing right now, the Bucks will need another huge game from him tonight. The baskets will not be easy, so Giannis must also shoot from the free throw line. A boost from Jrue Holiday, Brook Lopez and Grayson Allen would help the Bucks cover that spread at home.
Clippers-Bucks final prediction and selection
It’s a battle between two elite teams. The Bucks are dominant at home and I expect them to cover four points in a defensive battle.
Clippers-Bucks final prediction and selection: Bucks -4 (-110); Less than 231 (-110)