The Los Angeles Clippers (37-40) visit Fiserv Forum Friday to take on the Milwaukee Bucks (48-28). Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Clippers vs. Bucks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Bucks are coming off a thrilling 120-119 overtime road victory against Brooklyn Nets Thursday as 2-point underdogs. Milwaukee was led by 44 points from two-time MVP F Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Bucks are 4-1 against the spread (ATS) over their last five games and Milwaukee is 37-39 ATS on the season. The Bucks are 0.5 games back of the Miami Heat for the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Clippers have split their last two against the spread and are 1-6 ATS over their last seven outings. Los Angeles is 37-40 ATS this season. The return of F Paul George has been huge as he’s averaged 28 points per game in two games since returning against the Utah Jazz Tuesday.
Clippers at Bucks odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:52 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Clippers +265 (bet $100 to win $265) | Bucks -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Clippers +7.5 (-112) | Bucks -7.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 225.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
Clippers at Bucks key injuries
Clippers (not officially submitted)
- F Kawhi Leonard (knee) out
- G Norman Powell (foot) out
Bucks (not officially submitted)
- None
[tipico]
Clippers at Bucks odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Bucks 117, Clippers 111
Money line
PASS.
While I do like the Clippers (+265) to cover on the road, the Bucks are the far better team and are clicking right now. I’ll pass on predicting the outright upset despite the fat payout.
Milwaukee (-350) is absolutely unplayable, especially coming off an overtime game in Brooklyn last night.
PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!
Against the spread
BET the CLIPPERS +7.5 (-112).
George’s return has given the Clippers the offensive firepower they desperately needed. L.A. has scored over 120 points in both games since his return. The Clippers forced overtime and lost 135-130 to the Chicago Bulls Thursday as 2.5-point road underdogs in the one game they didn’t cover since his return.
Milwaukee is coming off an overtime statement victory. This seems like a perfect let-down spot for the reigning champions having traveled back and now preparing for an up-and-coming L.A. squad. This will be the third game in four days for Milwaukee.
The Bucks are just 14-20 ATS as home favorites. Given the Clippers rank sixth in opponents’ field goal percentage and now have offensive firepower in George, I’ll take them to keep this one close.
Over/Under
LEAN to the OVER 225.5 (-112).
The Clippers have been far better offensively since George’s return. However, they have also given up 115 or more points in both games, each of which went Over the projected total.
The Bucks have allowed over 115 points in three straight games, and with this being a lower total for the reigning champs, I expect them to help push the Over.
Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Additional NBA sports coverage:
HoopsHype | Celtics Wire | LeBron Wire | Lonzo Wire | Nets Wire | Rockets Wire | Sixers Wire | Thunder Wire | Warriors Wire | Rookie Wire | List Wire
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]