Milwaukee Bucks vs. Washington Wizards: Odds, Picks, and Predictions
The Milwaukee Bucks are set to face off against the Washington Wizards on Thursday at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. This matchup is crucial as both teams have had their struggles this season, with the game scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. ET and broadcasted on Prime Video.
Current Team Performance
As of now, the Milwaukee Bucks hold an 18-27 record, while the Washington Wizards have a record of 11-34. The Bucks are on a downward spiral, having lost six of their last seven games, including their most recent loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, where they fell 139-122 as 10.5-point underdogs.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, a key player for Milwaukee, missed this recent match due to a right calf strain and is currently sidelined indefinitely. In his absence, Ryan Rollins contributed 24 points, alongside Bobby Portis, who recorded a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds.
The Wizards recently ended a disappointing nine-game losing streak with a 115-111 victory against the Portland Trail Blazers. They managed to counter with significant defensive efforts, forcing 20 turnovers during that game. Alex Sarr had a standout performance, scoring 29 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and blocking six shots.
Season Series Overview
- First meeting: Bucks won 133-120 on October 22
- Second meeting: Wizards won 129-126 on December 1
- Third meeting: Wizards won 114-113 on December 31
The Wizards currently lead the season series 2-1 over the Bucks, showing a shift in momentum in their matchups this year.
Betting Odds and Predictions
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, here are the current odds for the matchup:
- Moneyline: Bucks -140, Wizards +115
- Against the Spread (ATS): Bucks -2.5, Wizards +2.5
- Over/Under: 224.5
Injury Report
Key injuries impacting the Bucks include:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) – out
- Kevin Porter Jr. (oblique) – out
- Taurean Prince (neck) – out
For the Wizards:
- Marvin Bagley III (back) – out
- Alex Sarr (illness) – questionable
- Tristan Vukcevic (hamstring) – out
- Cam Whitmore (shoulder) – out
- Trae Young (knee) – out
Expert Picks
Experts predict a close game but lean toward the Wizards, emphasizing their recent momentum. The recommendation is to bet on the Wizards to win, given their recent performance and the Bucks’ struggles without Giannis.
Moreover, considering the scoring patterns in their previous games, the Over on 224.5 points is seen as a viable option, as recent contests indicate a higher scoring trend.
For updated odds and betting tips, check Filmogaz.com for the latest insights.
