Milwaukee Bucks odds picks prediction spread over/under betting line – Page 3

Toronto Raptors at Milwaukee Bucks odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Toronto Raptors at Milwaukee Bucks and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Milwaukee Bucks (27-17) host the Toronto Raptors (20-19) Saturday at the Fiserv Forum for a 6:30 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we look at the Raptors vs. Bucks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Toronto has dropped back-to-back games to the Phoenix Suns 99-95 Tuesday as 4.5-point favorites and at the Detroit Pistons 103-87 yesterday (Friday) as 9-point favorites. Before the back-to-back losses, Toronto won six straight.

Over the past two weeks, the Raptors are sixth in non-garbage time net rating at plus-8.9 and the 14th-ranked ATS margin at plus-0.9, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Milwaukee stopped a two-game losing skid by clobbering the Golden State Warriors 118-99 due in part to a Giannis Antetokounmpo triple-double.

In the last 14 days, the Bucks are 3-4 straight-up (SU), 3-4 ATS and 2-5 O/U with the ninth-best non-garbage time net rating at plus-4.5 but the 19th-ranked ATS margin at minus-0.4, per CTG.

The Raptors have won and covered four straight games with the Bucks including both regular-season meetings this season. But, Giannis played in neither Raptors-Bucks game this season.

Raptors 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 10:50 a.m. ET.

Money line: Raptors +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | Bucks -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Raptors +6.5 (-102) | Bucks -6.5 (-122)
Over/Under (O/U): 221.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Raptors at Bucks key injuries

Raptors

PG Jrue Holiday (ankle) out

Bucks

SG Gary Trent (ankle) questionable

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Raptors at Bucks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Bucks 118, Raptors 103

Money line

PASS ON THE MONEY LINE.

I think Milwaukee wins this game running away, but the Bucks (-300) is way too expensive for an NBA regular-season money line favorite.

The example I like to use to explain this would be the Bucks losing outright to the Brooklyn Nets in the Orlando bubble in August 2020 as -3000 favorites.

Against the spread

“LEAN” to the BUCKS -6.5 (-122) because I prefer Milwaukee’s first-half line instead. But, the Bucks had several guards return from injury recently including a few that missed Milwaukee’s loss to Toronto Jan. 5.

For instance, Bucks guards Donte DiVincenzo, George Hill, Grayson Allen and Pat Connaughton missed that contest and returned from injury earlier this week.

Their impact was felt immediately when Milwaukee steamrolled Golden State Thursday because these guards defend ball handlers and space the floor with their 3-point shooting.

Also, Toronto isn’t deep in the backcourt, and G Fred VanVleet is the only reliable ball handler that can create his own shot. Whereas Giannis and Khris Middleton supersede Raptors forwards OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam.

Furthermore, the Raptors score a lot of easy buckets that the Bucks will not allow. Milwaukee secures the paint, doesn’t turn the ball over much and cleans up the glass. It’ll be tough for Toronto to execute like it wants to.

But, the BUCKS -3.5 (-112) FIRST-HALF SPREAD is my best bet in this game because Milwaukee has a plus-11.3 first-half scoring margin over the past three games while Toronto has a minus-3.3 first-half scoring margin.

Milwaukee made a statement in their win over Golden State Thursday, and I think the Bucks ride that momentum into this game and trample the Raptors early.

I “LIKE” the BUCKS -3.5 (-112) FIRST-HALF SPREAD for 1 unit and “lean” BUCKS -6.5 (-122) full game.

Over/Under

PASS because my prediction aligns with the projected score; hence there’s no value for me in the total. But, I “lean” to the Under slightly because I think Milwaukee’s defense shuts down Toronto.

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Golden State Warriors at Milwaukee Bucks odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Golden State Warriors at Milwaukee Bucks and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Golden State Warriors (30-10) visit the Cream City Thursday for a 7:30 p.m. ET game with the Milwaukee Bucks (26-17) at the Fiserv Forum. Below, we look at the Warriors vs. Bucks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Golden State has lost three of its past four games including most recently when the Warriors (-2) lost at the Memphis Grizzlies 116-108 Tuesday.

Over the past two weeks, Golden State is 3-3 straight-up (SU), 2-4 ATS and 3-3 O/U with the 15th-ranked non-garbage time net rating at plus-0.5 and the 25th-ranked spread differential at a minus-3.4 ATS margin, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Milwaukee dropped both of a road back-to-back against the Charlotte Hornets entering Thursday and four of its past five games.

In the last 14 days, the Bucks have the 10th-best non-garbage time net rating at plus-3.0 and the 22nd-ranked spread differential at a minus-2.4 ATS margin, per CTG.

Warriors 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 12:15 p.m. ET.

Money line: Warriors +102 (bet $100 to win $102) | Bucks -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Warriors +1.5 (-108) | Bucks -1.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 223.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Warriors at Bucks key injuries

Warriors

PF Draymond Green (calf) out
C James Wiseman (knee) out

Bucks

SG George Hill (health and safety protocols) out
PG Jrue Holiday (ankle) doubtful

Warriors at Bucks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Bucks 119, Warriors 113

Money line

BET the BUCKS (-125) for 1 unit because Draymond’s absence should loom large for the Warriors (+102) versus Milwaukee’s All-Star wings Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton.

Interestingly enough, Giannis and Stephen Curry‘s primes haven’t crossed paths much over the years. The last time Giannis and Curry played each other was Christmas 2020, and the time before was in Dec. 2018.

However, this could be the worst game for the Warriors to be without Draymond. He’d be tasked with defending Giannis and Middleton. Draymond’s absence leaves a glaring hole in Golden State’s defense.

Furthermore, the Bucks like to run a lot of isolation through Giannis and Middleton. Milwaukee is successful playing iso-ball (fifth in offensive efficiency out of isolation plays) whereas Golden State plays poor defense versus iso-ball (29th in defensive efficiency).

Also, Milwaukee’s backcourt is getting a little healthier. The Bucks are still missing Holiday but guards Pat Connaughton, Grayson Allen and Donte DiVincenzo aren’t listed on Milwaukee’s injury report.

BET 1 unit on the BUCKS (-125).

Against the spread

PASS since Milwaukee’s money line is only 13 cents on the dollar more expensive than the Bucks -1.5 (-112) so there’s no point fussing with the spread.

That said, if Milwaukee’s money line goes north of -140 then I’d lay the points and I like the Bucks up to -4.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the OVER 223.5 (-115) because both teams play at an above-average pace, have a top-seven effective field goal percentage and a top-five 3-point attempt rate. Simply put, there’s a lot of firepower on the floor for both teams.

On top of that, Golden State’s defense is worse without Draymond and Milwaukee’s defense is weakened sans Holiday.

That said, I only “LEAN” to the OVER 223.5 (-115) because oddsmakers have adjusted to both teams’ styles, and these teams actually play more Unders. The Bucks are 18-25 O/U and the Warriors are 13-25-2 O/U.

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Milwaukee Bucks at Charlotte Hornets odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Monday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Charlotte Hornets and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Charlotte Hornets (21-19) host the Milwaukee Bucks (26-16) for the second game of their back-to-back set Monday at Spectrum Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Bucks vs. Hornets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Hornets won the first of their back-to-back versus the Bucks 114-106 as 1.5-point favorites Saturday. It was Charlotte’s second straight victory and Milwaukee’s third loss in its last four games.

The Hornets are 4-2 straight-up (SU), 4-2 ATS and 2-4 O/U over the last two weeks with the 10th-best adjusted net rating at plus-4.8 points per 100 possessions, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

The Bucks have the eighth-best adjusted net rating at plus-6.0 points per 100 possessions across that same span, per CTG.

The Bucks-Hornets head-to-head series is tied at 1-1 SU this season but Charlotte has covered both games.

Bucks at Hornets 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 11:40 a.m. ET.

Money line: Bucks -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Hornets +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
Against the spread (ATS): Bucks -2.5 (-107) | Hornets +2.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 236.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

Bucks at Hornets key injuries

Bucks

SG Pat Connaughton (health and safety protocols) questionable
PG Jrue Holiday (ankle) out
SG George Hill (health and safety protocols) out
SG Grayson Allen (health and safety protocols) out

Hornets

None.

Bucks at Hornets odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Hornets 118, Bucks 112

Money line

SPRINKLE on the HORNETS (+110) with the plan of betting more on their spread because they match up very well against the Bucks.

Milwaukee allows its opponents to attempt the most 3-pointers per game in the NBA and Charlotte has the second-best 3-point shooting percentage.

The Hornets also have a lot more depth currently than this banged-up Bucks roster. Milwaukee is still missing two of its top-three players by adjusted on/off net rating in Holiday and Hill (CTG).

On top of that, Charlotte’s bench averages 35.9 points per game (PPG) while Milwaukee’s bench averages 27.9 PPG, which is the third-worst mark in the NBA.

Milwaukee got awesome performances out of All-Stars F Giannis Antetokounmpo (43 points on 55.0% shooting) and G Khris Middleton (27 points on 52.9% shooting) Saturday but got little help from their teammates — the Hornets bench outscored the Bucks bench 33-5.

Since role players perform better at home and Milwaukee allows opponents to chuck 3-pointers, which is Charlotte’s wheelhouse, I don’t see this Hornets-Bucks contest playing out much differently than the last one.

SPRINKLE on the HORNETS (+110).

Against the spread

BET the HORNETS +2.5 (-115) heavier than — or instead of — their money line because this is a better spot for Charlotte.

The Hornets are 8-1 ATS at home versus teams with a winning record and 6-1 ATS in their last seven meetings with the Bucks. These ATS trends are applicable here since this game is priced as a coin-flip.

The HORNETS +2.5 (-115) is my favorite wager in this game.

Over/Under

PASS since Saturday’s Bucks-Hornets meeting went 15.5 points below the total (235.5), which is just shy of this game’s total. Apparently, the oddsmakers aren’t overreacting to Saturday’s result.

For what it’s worth, I “lean” to the Under 236.5 (-115) since the Bucks are still missing some firepower and the Hornets are 2-6 O/U over their last eight games.

However, Both teams play at a top-10 pace and I’m nervous about Milwaukee allowing Charlotte to hoist 3-pointers.

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Milwaukee Bucks at Charlotte Hornets odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Charlotte Hornets and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Milwaukee Bucks (26-15) play the second of a back-to-back Saturday versus the Charlotte Hornets (20-19) at Spectrum Center. The tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Bucks vs. Hornets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

A banged-up Milwaukee team broke out of its two-game slump by whooping the Brooklyn Nets last night (Friday) 121-109 as 4.5-point road underdogs.

Over the past two weeks, the Bucks are 5-2 straight-up (SU), 4-3 ATS and 5-2 O/U with the fourth-best adjusted net rating at plus-8.1 points per 100 possessions, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Charlotte also busted a two-game losing skid in its last game when the Hornets (-10.5) beat the brakes off the Detroit Pistons 140-111 Wednesday.

In the last 14 days, the Hornets are 3-2 SU, 3-2 ATS and 2-3 O/U with the 13th-best adjusted net rating at plus-3.8 points per 100 possessions, per CTG.

The Bucks beat the Hornets in Milwaukee in a 127-125 shootout Dec. 1 but Charlotte easily covered as 9-point road underdogs. Also, the Hornets have covered five of their last six meetings with the Bucks.

Bucks at Hornets 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 2:30 p.m. ET.

Money line: Bucks +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Hornets -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Bucks +1.5 (-110) | Hornets -1.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 234.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Bucks at Hornets key injuries

Bucks

PG Jrue Holiday (health and safety protocols) out
SG Pat Connaughton (health and safety protocols) out
SG Donte DiVincenzo (ankle) out
SG George Hill (health and safety protocols) out
SG Grayson Allen (health and safety protocols) out

Hornets

None.

Bucks at Hornets odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Hornets 121, Bucks 115

Money line

TAKE the HORNETS (-120) for 1 unit because they’ve played well against the Bucks (+100) recently and are 4-1 SU as a home favorite with a plus-15.6 scoring margin.

Furthermore, Charlotte has covered 10 of their last 11 home games and four straight as a home favorite. While Milwaukee is an NBA’s worst 7-14 ATS on the second of a back-to-back since the start of last season. These ATS trends are applicable because this game is priced as a coin-flip.

Also, Hornets’ second-year PG LaMelo Ball is averaging 31.5 points per on 83.5% true shooting (.625/.556/1.000) and 9.0 assists per in his two career games against Milwaukee.

Ball should have an easier getting himself and his teammates good looks because one of the best perimeter defenders in the Association, Bucks PG Jrue Holiday, is sidelined on the health and safety protocols list.

Lastly, the Hornets have been hit by sharp money since Charlotte opened at -107 (according to Pregame.com) and has been steamed up to the current price.

BET 1 unit on the HORNETS (-120).

Against the spread

PASS since Charlotte’s money line is only 10 cents on the dollar more expensive than the Hornets -1.5 (-110). Don’t be cheap if you’re following me here and just take Charlotte SU.

Over/Under

Slight “LEAN” to the OVER 234.5 (-115) for a small wager, if at all, because I much prefer the Charlotte side more so than the total.

That said, the Over has cashed in three of the past four Bucks-Hornets meetings. Milwaukee is 5-2 O/U in its past seven games and Charlotte is 9-5-1 O/U at home.

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Milwaukee Bucks at Brooklyn Nets odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Brooklyn Nets and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Milwaukee Bucks (25-15) meet the Brooklyn Nets (24-12) Friday in a rematch of last season’s second-round Eastern Conference playoff series. The tip-off at Barclays Center is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Bucks vs. Nets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Milwaukee defeated Brooklyn 4-3 in an exhilarating best-of-seven second-round playoff series last season en route to an NBA championship. Last regular season, the Bucks were 2-1 straight-up (SU) and ATS versus the Nets.

The Bucks have lost back-to-back games to the Detroit Pistons 115-106 Monday and the Toronto Raptors 117-111 Wednesday.

Over the past two weeks, Milwaukee is 5-2 SU, 4-3 ATS and 5-2 O/U with the seventh-best non-garbage time net rating at plus-6.0 points per 100 possessions, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Brooklyn snapped its three-game losing skid Friday when won at the Indiana Pacers 129-121 but failed to cover as 8.5-point road favorites. It was Nets PG Kyrie Irving‘s season debut, and Irving scored 22 points on 9-of-17 shooting with 4 assists and 3 steals.

In the last 14 days, Brooklyn is 3-3 SU, 2-4 ATS and 4-2 O/U with the 15th-ranked non-garbage time net rating at plus-0.7 points per 100 possessions, per CTG.

Bucks at Nets 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 7:40 a.m. ET.

Money line: Bucks +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Nets -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Bucks +4.5 (-105) | Nets -4.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 229.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Bucks at Nets key injuries

Bucks

PF Giannis Antetokounmpo (illness) probable
PG Jrue Holiday (health and safety protocols) out
SG Pat Connaughton (health and safety protocols) out
SG Donte DiVincenzo (ankle) out
SG George Hill (health and safety protocols) out
SG Grayson Allen (health and safety protocols) out

Nets

PG Kyrie Irving (personal) out
SG Joe Harris (foot) out

Bucks at Nets odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Nets 116, Bucks 107

Money line

PASS since I like Brooklyn to win this game going away, but still, the Nets (-200) is out of my price range.

The Bucks (+160) are the reigning champions, and Milwaukee’s All-Star wings Giannis and Khris Middleton are certainly good enough to push Milwaukee past Brooklyn.

Against the spread

BET the NETS -4.5 (-120) for 1 unit because they are a lot healthier, and this should be a revenge spot for Brooklyn.

Also, the Bucks are an NBA’s worst 4-10 ATS as a road underdog with a minus-4.6 ATS margin since the start of last season.

On top of that, Milwaukee will be without its top-two players by adjusted on/off net rating in Holiday and Hill Friday.

Holiday grades in the 97th percentile of points guards in adjusted on/off net rating at plus-15.7 points per 100 possessions and Hill grades in the 99th percentile of combo guards at plus-20.5 points per 100 possessions, per CTG.

Furthermore, Holiday, along with DiVincenzo and Connaughton who are also on the injury report, would be tasked with checking Brooklyn’s James Harden. Not having these guys, Holiday especially, could be a nightmare for Milwaukee and Harden could ball out.

Finally, I think the Nets want to make a statement Friday against the team that eliminated them from the playoffs last season.

Nets’ Kevin Durant is almost being slept on as an MVP candidate. I’m expecting a great performance out of KD in this primetime game versus two-time MVP Giannis and the defending champions.

BET 1 unit on the NETS -4.5 (-120).

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 229.5 (-110) for a quarter-unit, if at all, because Milwaukee is 1-8-1 O/U in its last 10 games versus teams with a winning record and the Bucks-Nets total is 1-8-1 O/U in their last 10 meetings.

However, I can only “LEAN” to the UNDER 229.5 (-110) since Milwaukee has gone Over the total in five of its past six games, and I anticipate Harden wreaking havoc on this banged-up Bucks backcourt.

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Toronto Raptors at Milwaukee Bucks odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Toronto Raptors at Milwaukee Bucks and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Toronto Raptors (17-17) meet the Milwaukee Bucks (25-14) Wednesday at Fiserv Forum for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we look at the Raptors vs. Bucks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Toronto is on a three-game home win streak (3-0 ATS), which includes victories over the Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs.

The Raptors are 3-2 straight-up (SU), 4-1 ATS and 5-0 O/U over the last two weeks with the 10th-best non-garbage time net rating at plus-2.6 points per 100 possessions, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Milwaukee had its six-game win streak snapped in a 115-106 loss to the lowly Detroit Pistons Monday.

The Bucks are 6-1 SU, 5-2 ATS and 5-2 O/U in the last 14 days with the third-best non-garbage time net rating at plus-9.8 points per 100 possessions, per CTG.

The Raptors have beaten the Bucks four of their last five meetings (4-1 ATS), and three straight, including earlier this season 97-93 as 1-point home favorites.

Raptors 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 12:49 p.m. ET.

Money line: Raptors +280 (bet $100 to win $280) | Bucks -370 (bet $370 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Raptors +7.5 (-112) | Bucks -7.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 226.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Raptors at Bucks key injuries

Raptors (not officially submitted)

None.

Bucks

SG Grayson Allen (health and safety protocols) out
SG Pat Connaughton (health and safety protocols) out
SG Donte DiVincenzo (ankle) out

Raptors at Bucks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Bucks 114, Raptors 110

Money line

PASS with a heavy “lean” towards the Raptors (+280) because of the fat payout and since I’m betting Toronto plus the points.

However, the Bucks have it rolling right now and this should be a game they get up for considering how well the Raptors have played against them recently.

Against the spread

BET the RAPTORS +7.5 (-112) for 1 unit because they have the depth at the wing to throw bodies at Bucks All-Star wings Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton.

This is a Pros vs. Joe’s game in the betting market at the time of publishing. Roughly 60% of the cash is on Toronto but more than 60% of the bets placed are on Milwaukee according to Pregame.com.

Typically, in sports betting, it’s wise to follow the money especially when it’s counter to the public. The oddsmakers have also reacted to the cash on the Raptors since the Bucks have been lowered from 8.5-point opening favorites.

This isn’t a very good spot for Milwaukee who’s just 7-12 ATS at home, 1-5 ATS when laying 7.5-9.5 points and 2-6 ATS at home versus teams with a winning record — and Toronto is playing like a winning team recently.

Plus the Raptors are an NBA-best 4-1 ATS on the second of a back-to-back with a plus-7.4 ATS margin.

BET the RAPTORS +7.5 (-112).

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 226.5 (-110) for a half-unit since eight of the past nine Raptors-Bucks meetings have gone Under the total and there’s some reverse line movement in the betting market of the total.

More than three-fourths of the handle is on the Over but the total has been lowered from 229 on the opener according to Pregame.com. It’s a red flag whenever you see sportsbooks make the more popular side cheaper.

That said, the Over has cashed in eight straight for Toronto and the Over is 4-1 in Milwaukee’s last five games. Also, Toronto plus the points is my favorite wager in this contest.

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Boston Celtics (16-16) head to the Cream City for a Christmas day game against the Milwaukee Bucks (21-13) at the Fiserv Forum. The tip-off is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Celtics vs. Bucks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Boston has alternated between winning and losing over the last six games with the most recent being a 111-101 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers as 6.5-point home favorites.

The Celtics are 3-3 straight-up (SU), 3-2-1 ATS and 2-4 O/U over the past two weeks with the 12th-ranked non-garbage time net rating (plus-0.3 points per 100 possessions), according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Milwaukee has won back-to-back games over the Houston Rockets 128-106 Wednesday and at the Dallas Mavericks 102-95 Thursday.

The Bucks are 5-3 SU, 4-4 ATS and 3-5 O/U in the last 14 days with the 11th-best non-garbage time net rating (plus-2.3 points per 100 possessions), per CTG.

Boston won and covered its first two meetings of the season with Milwaukee, and either side of the total cashed in those two contests. The most recent was a Celtics’ 117-103 beatdown (Dec. 13) when both teams were at full health.

Celtics 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 Friday at 8 p.m. ET.

Money line: Celtics +230 (bet $100 to win $230) | Bucks -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Celtics +6.5 (-107) | Bucks -6.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 220.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Celtics at Bucks key injuries

Celtics

C Enes Kanter Freedom (health and safety protocols) out
C Al Horford (health and safety protocols) questionable
SG Josh Richardson (health and safety protocols) questionable
PF Grant Williams (health and safety protocols) questionable

Bucks

PF Giannis Antetokounmpo (health and safety protocols) probable
PF Bobby Portis (health and safety protocols) questionable

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Celtics at Bucks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Celtics 115, Bucks 109

Money line

Milwaukee received positive news Christmas Eve when it was announced Giannis would be a game-time decision after clearing the health and safety protocols.

Boston has played much better this season against top-10 teams in net rating. For instance, the Celtics are seventh in non-garbage time net rating (minus-1.3 points per 100 possessions) and 10th in spread differential (minus-0.5 ATS margin) vs. teams top-10 in efficiency differential (CTG).

Whereas the Bucks are 22nd in non-garbage time net rating (minus-6.8 points per 100 possessions) and the second-worst in spread differential (minus-7.5 ATS margin), per CTG.

Also, this could be the one day on the whole NBA calendar that’s popular for money line parlays. So I could see the sportsbooks needing the Celtics to pull off an upset to bust a bunch of money line parlays, which include the Bucks and other big Christmas day favorites.

In fact, according to the Yahoo! Sports app, 92% of the cash is on Milwaukee’s money line at the time of publishing. I’d guess that most of the people betting the Bucks (-205) are doing so with it parlayed with another favorite.

Slight “LEAN” to the CELTICS (+230) because I like Boston plus the points and want to “sprinkle” on the underdog’s money line.

Against the spread

Definitely BET the CELTICS +6.5 (-107) heavier than or instead of Boston’s money line.

But, I’d wait closer till tip-off before making the wager. because if Giannis gets ruled in then Milwaukee could easily balloon up to a 7-point favorite. Obviously, that’s a tough ask on Christmas day but that’s the nature of the business.

Plus the Celtics are one of the few teams equipped to face the Bucks’ double-headed wing monster in Giannis and Khris Middleton. Boston All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are a legit one-two punch that has the talent to neutralize Giannis and Middleton.

Furthermore, both teams play a high frequency of isolation offense: Boston runs the second-most action out of isolation and Milwaukee runs the fourth-most. But, the Celtics rank higher in offensive efficiency out of isolation plays and the Bucks have the fourth-worst defensive efficiency vs. iso-ball.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the OVER 220.5 (-110) for a small wager, if at all, because I much prefer the Boston side more than the total in this game.

However, the first Celtics-Bucks meeting this season snapped a six-game streak of Overs played between these two teams. And the total only went Under by 3 points.

Lastly, according to Pregame.com and the Yahoo! Sports app, vastly more money has been wagered on the Under, which has caused the total to be lowered from the 234.5-point opening total. My instinct is to fade such a large line swing.

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Milwaukee Bucks at Dallas Mavericks odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Dallas Mavericks odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Dallas Mavericks (15-15) host the Milwaukee Bucks (19-13) Thursday for an 8:30 p.m. ET tip-off at the American Airlines Center. Below, we look at the Bucks vs. Mavericks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Milwaukee has lost three of the past four including back-to-back games at the New Orleans Pelicans Friday and vs. the Cleveland Cavaliers Saturday.

In the last 14 days, the Bucks are 3-4 straight-up (SU), 3-4 ATS and 2-5 O/U with the 15th-ranked non-garbage net rating (minus-2.5 points per 100 possessions), according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Dallas broke a two-game losing skid by beating the Minnesota Timberwolves 114-102 as 2-point home underdogs Tuesday.

The Mavs are 4-3 SU, 5-2 ATS and 2-5 O/U over the past two weeks with the seventh-best non-garbage time net rating (plus-5.8 points per 100 possessions), per CTG.

Bucks at Mavericks 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 11 a.m. ET.

Money line: Bucks -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Mavericks +133 (bet $100 to win $133)
Against the spread (ATS): Bucks -3.5 (-112) | Mavericks +3.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 209.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Bucks at Mavericks key injuries

Bucks

PF Giannis Antetokounmpo (health and safety protocols) out
PF Bobby Portis (health and safety protocols) out

Mavericks

PF Kristaps Porzingis (foot) questionable
PG Luka Doncic (ankle/health and safety protocols) out
SG Tim Hardaway Jr. (health and safety protocols) out
SG Reggie Bullock (health and safety protocols) out

Bucks at Mavericks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Bucks 107, Mavericks 101

Money line

PASS on the money line.

A team down a two-time MVP and on the road isn’t worth backing at -165. Similarly, the Mavericks haven’t generated much offense without Luka this season, so I don’t see much value in their +133 either.

Against the spread

BET on the BUCKS -3.5 (-112) as they’re the far healthier side and still have a few All-Stars set to take the court. The Mavericks’ top three creators are out, and the offensive burden will fall on Jalen Brunson.

The Bucks will have a defensive mastermind in Jrue Holiday in their backcourt. Middleton also returned from a three-game absence and put up 23 points. He’ll be a key difference here.

Milwaukee has a top-ten offensive and defense while the Mavs have neither. I’ll back Milwaukee to win by four or more here.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 209.5 (-108) as I have no idea where the offense will come from for Dallas.

They did drop 114 behind 19 from Dorian Finney-Smith and 28 from Brunson. I expect a stronger defensive effort from Milwaukee than Minnesota showed. DFS also isn’t the most consistent scorer.

The Mavs play at the slowest pace in the NBA. With two elite defenders in the Milwaukee backcourt, I’d rather back the Under here.

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Indiana Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Indiana Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Indiana Pacers (12-17) head to the Cream City Wednesday for an 8 p.m. meeting with the Milwaukee Bucks (18-11) at Fiserv Forum. Below, we look at the Pacers vs. Bucks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions, and bets.

Indiana had its three-game winning streak snapped Monday in a 102-100 home loss to the Golden State Warriors, but they covered as 4-point underdogs.

The Pacers are 3-3 straight-up (SU), 3-2-1 ATS and 4-2 O/U with the sixth-best efficiency differential over the past two weeks, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Milwaukee got worked in a 117-103 loss at the Boston Celtics Monday, stopping a two-game winning streak. Also, Giannis Antetokounmpo was added to the NBA’s COVID list and will be sidelined for at least this game.

In the last 14 days, the Bucks are 5-3 SU, 2-6 ATS and 4-4 O/U with the 12th-ranked efficiency differential per CTG.

The Bucks have beaten the Pacers in nine of the last 10 meetings (8-2 ATS) including six straight and both meetings so far this season. Giannis has scored 28.0 points, 11.5 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game in the two Pacers-Bucks games this season.

Pacers 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 2:15 p.m. ET.

Money line: Pacers -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Bucks +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
Against the spread (ATS): Pacers -2.5 (-107) | Bucks +2.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 217.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Pacers at Bucks key injuries

Pacers

SG Justin Holiday (health and safety protocols) out

Bucks

PF Giannis Antetokounmpo (health and safety protocols) out
SF Khris Middleton (knee) questionable

Pacers at Bucks odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Pacers 109, Bucks 104

Money line

“LEAN” to the PACERS (-135) because, as it stands right now, the Bucks (+110) are going to be without three, perhaps four starters if Middleton cannot suit up.

Furthermore, Indiana is better than its record indicates and has a higher efficiency differential so far this month. The Pacers’ minus-5.0 win differential is the highest in the NBA (CTG), which essentially means Indiana should have five more wins.

That said, I only “LEAN” to the PACERS (-135) because if Middleton can play, then Milwaukee is still talented enough to get past Indiana. The Bucks have been home underdogs only four times over the past three years. Also, the Pacers are just 3-10 SU on the road this season.

Against the spread

PASS since I only “lean” to Indiana outright and don’t like that wager enough to lay it with the Pacers -2.5 (-107). For what it’s worth, Indiana is 15-13-1 ATS, and Milwaukee is 12-17 ATS this season.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 217.5 (-110) because Milwaukee slows down the tempo when Giannis isn’t on the floor, and the Pacers rank 23rd in pace of play. Plus the Under has cashed in nine of Indiana’s last 10 road games.

However, I cannot fully endorse an Under wager in this spot because I do think the ball will move better with Giannis out of the lineup. Even backups in the NBA can knock down open threes if the ball is moving well.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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Milwaukee Bucks at Boston Celtics odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Monday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Boston Celtics odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Milwaukee Bucks (18-10) head to Beantown Monday for a 7 p.m. ET game with the Boston Celtics (13-14) at TD Garden. Below, we look at the Bucks vs. Celtics odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions, and bets.

Over its last seven games, Milwaukee is 5-2 straight-up (SU), 2-5 ATS and 4-3 O/U with the seventh-best non-garbage time-efficiency differential, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

The Bucks most recently steamrolled the New York Knicks 112-97 Sunday as 6-point favorites at Madison Square Garden.

Boston lost four of five on its current five-game Western Conference road trip (2-3 ATS) including three straight, falling to the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns. The Celtics are 14-13 ATS and 11-15-1 O/U with the 13th-ranked efficiency differential.

Bucks at Celtics odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:58 a.m. ET.

Money line: Bucks -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Celtics +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Bucks -1.5 (-110) | Celtics +1.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 220.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Bucks at Celtics key injuries

Bucks

None

Celtics

PG Marcus Smart (illness) probable
SG Josh Richardson (health and safety protocols) out

Bucks at Celtics odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Celtics 115, Bucks 109

Money line

“LEAN” to the CELTICS (-120) only because they have struggled when playing tougher competition.

The Celtics are 3-6 SU with a minus-5.7 points per 100 possessions and a minus-3.4 ATS margin when playing teams in the top-10 of net rating (according to CTG).

However, Boston is getting All-Star SG Jaylen Brown back from a five-game absence due to a hamstring injury and the Celtics match up well vs. the Bucks.

Both teams play a ton of iso-ball and Boston is a little more efficient offensively in isolation sets and a lot better defensively.

Milwaukee’s defense has the second-worst efficiency vs. iso-ball and Boston’s defensive ranks fifth in efficiency against isolation offense.

The Bucks get out into transition at the fifth-highest rate in the NBA, but the Celtics are fourth in efficiency vs. transition offense. Also, Milwaukee’s offensive efficiency in the fast break only grades in the 31st percentile.

Over the past three seasons, Boston is 19-10-1 ATS with a plus-5.6 ATS margin when playing with a rest advantage.

The Celtics have covered four straight vs. the Bucks, with three outright victories and are 6-1 ATS in their past seven meetings.

I’d argue that these ATS trends apply in this section because the game is priced as a coin flip.

Finally, the oddsmakers opened this game with Boston as a slight favorite before the market instantly started betting Milwaukee’s money line.

I’d assume by tip-off, the House will be rooting for the CELTICS (-120) and, typically, we want to be on the same side as the House in sports betting.

Against the spread

PASS since Boston +1.5 (-110) doesn’t offer much insurance for our Celtics money line wager.

If the Celtics’ spread gets steamed up to +2.5 or greater then I’d wager more on Boston plus the points and “sprinkle” on the Celtics’ money line.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the OVER 220.5 (-108) because Bucks-Celtics games are typically high scoring – the Over has cashed in six straight meetings.

However, we are getting the worst of the number hence the “lean.” The game opened with a 218.5-point total and was steamed up abruptly. I don’t have a strong enough read on the total to chase value in this spot.

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 Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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