The Oklahoma City Thunder (6-8) travel to Fiserv Forum Friday to take on the Milwaukee Bucks (7-8). Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Thunder at Bucks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Thunder are actually playing decent basketball. They’re 6-4 in their last 10 with star G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander taking over. Defensive-minded Lu Dort has been huge for the Thunder as well.
OKC has won four of its last six including a win in their most recent outing against the Rockets.
However, they’ll be heavy underdogs at Milwaukee. The Bucks recently returned SF Khris Middleton. Coupled with two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks are looking to get back above .500.
The reigning champs have won three of their last five games. Milwaukee enters as big-time favorites.
Also see: Bet Slippin’ Podcast’s Daily NBA show
Thunder at Bucks odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:10 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Thunder +700 (bet $100 to win $700) | Bucks -1200 (bet $1,200 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Thunder +12.5 (-107) | Bucks -12.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 214.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)
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Thunder at Bucks key injuries
Thunder
- None impacting gambling odds
Bucks
- C Brook Lopez (back) out
- G Donte DiVincenzo (ankle) out
Thunder at Bucks odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Bucks 111, Thunder 101
Money line
PASS on the money line here.
The Bucks are too expensive at -1200. The Thunder have too skilled of a backcourt to think they have no shot. However, I still wouldn’t bet on them winning outright at +700. Neither money line odds have much value.
Against the spread
BET on the THUNDER +12.5 (-107) as the Bucks have yet to play like reigning champs. They’ve been a letdown to start the season. The Bucks beat the LeBron James-less Lakers by just 7.
At the same time, the Thunder are surging. They have the sixth-best defensive rating over their last ten games. OKC is playing well on both sides of the ball and has the length in Darius Bazley to combat Giannis.
With Lopez and DiVincenzo still sidelined, the Bucks are down two starters. With OKC playing well, I expect them to at least keep the game close. They’ve lost just five games by 13 or more.
Over/Under
“LEAN” to the UNDER 214.5 (-107) for a small unit as the Thunder have quickness and size among their starters.
The Bucks thrive off their 3-point shooting that surrounds Giannis. With Dort and SGA, two quality defenders, getting to those shooters should be possible.
Over the last ten games, these teams rank 21st (Bucks) and 29th (Thunder) in offensive rating. Neither plays at a top-ten pace on the season either, making a slower game a possibility.
For those three reasons, I like the Under here.
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