James Gordon
The Milwaukee Bucks travel to Arizona on Wednesday to play the Phoenix Suns for the first time this season. It’s time to continue the NBA odds series and make the prediction and pick of the Bucks-Suns.
The Bucks have an overall record of 16-8, but only 13-11 against the Gap. Milwaukee just posted a dominant victory over the Denver Nuggets.
The Suns are an identical 14-9 overall and against the scatter records. In the last game in Phoenix, they defeated the Cleveland Knights at home.
Here’s how the bookies rate the odds for Bucks-Suns.
NBA Betting: Bucks – Snap Bet
Milwaukee Bucks -4.5 (-110)
Phoenix Suns +4.5 (-110)
More than 227 TCP (-110)
Less than 227 TPC (-110)
Why the Bucks can cover the spread.
Milwaukee has been in the midst of a crisis lately.
The Bucks have not only covered their last five games, they have done it with ease. In four of those games, Milwaukee covered the broadcast with double-digit leads. The Bucks were favored by double digits in three of the five games and won by 18 points or more in each of those games.
Right now, Milwaukee is good on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Giannis Antetokounmpo and company have the most points in the championship, the most goals on the court and the best offensive ranking in the NBA.
The Bucks offense seems unstoppable lately, and the scary thing is that it’s not just the MVP who is in place.
Giannis has played very well over the last five games, averaging 25.2 points on 57% of his shots from across the line in just a few minutes. But what is remarkable is the play of the Bucks’ players. Without Giannis, four players in Milwaukee have scored more than ten points in four of the last five wins.
And it’s not just the Bucks that are working. Defensively, the team has put pressure on opponents. In two embarrassing games against the Pelicans and the Hornets, the Bucks have not allowed an opponent to get within one point of them.
Against a Phoenix offense that has been only mediocre this season, it could be another Milwaukee performance.
Why the suns can cover the spread
The Bucks were defeated, but the Suns weren’t bad either. After being defeated by the Pelicans on national television, Phoenix turned 180 degrees.
The Suns swept through Detroit with two tough wins over the Celtics and the Cavaliers.
The win against the Cavaliers was achieved without Chris Paul in the lineup, as the playmaker suffered a hamstring injury. Devin Booker took over and put up 36 points.
With Paul questionable Wednesday, the Suns will need a similar performance from Booker. He and the Suns are taking an offensive break because Jrue Holiday will not be there after testing positive on COVID-19.
Without Holiday to counter Booker, the young star will have an easier time scoring baskets. Milwaukee will likely have to play without Chris Middleton, which remains tricky, but Middleton is not a two-man NBA all-defensive team like Holiday.
The Suns will rely on their defense to keep this game exciting. The Bucks have a great three-point shot, but Phoenix has defended well all season. The Suns have allowed the second most three-pointers in the league and are holding their opponents to fourth from the three-point line.
Phoenix’s best chance is to continue its excellent perimeter defense and rely on Booker to develop enough offense to break through the Bucks’ tough defensive line. Paul’s play will help, but it seems unlikely at this stage.
Predicting and choosing the last Dollars
In a game between two teams that have been playing well lately, I choose a team that has absolutely destroyed its opponents. The Suns are a strong team, but they are not on the same level as Milwaukee. Even with the absence of Jrue Holiday, 4.5 points seems too little for a team that has won its last five games by an average margin of 20.8 points.
Phoenix has struggled more than anyone in Milwaukee lately, but the Bucks are too hot to bet against them right now. Even if Paul plays, I’ll take the Bucks by double digits in the desert.
DECISIVE PREDICTION FOR BEST RESULT: MIL 122, PHX 109 (MIL -4.5)
James Gordon
