The Phoenix Suns (14-9) host the Milwaukee Bucks (16-8) Wednesday PHX Arena for a 10 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we analyze the Bucks-Suns NBA odds and lines, with picks and predictions.
Milwaukee is playing its fourth game of a six-game road trip and has it rolling right now. The Bucks have won and covered the spread in five straight games and are first in net rating, assist to turnover ratio, effective field-goal percentage and rebounding percentage over that stretch.
The Suns aren’t playing much worse despite dealing with some bumps and bruises to their backcourt. Phoenix has won six of its last seven (6-1 ATS) because of defense and how it performed in the closing moments of games.
These teams split last season’s series 1-1 with the home team claiming each victory. Since the beginning of the 2017-18 season, Phoenix is 3-3 straight up and 4-2 ATS vs. Milwaukee.
Bucks at Suns: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:50 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Bucks -185 (bet $185 to win $100) | Suns +150 (bet $100 to win $150)
- Against the spread/ATS: Bucks -4.5 (-110) | Suns +4.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 226.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Bucks at Suns: Key injuries
Bucks
- PG Jrue Holiday (health and safety protocols) out
Suns
- PG Chris Paul (hamstring) questionable
- SF Jae Crowder (foot) questionable
- SF Abdel Nader (ankle) questionable
Special NBA Betting Promotion!
Place a $1 bet on either team’s money line, WIN an additional $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a 3-pointer during the game today. Promotion available in CO, IN, MI, NJ, TN, VA and WV. IA and PA residents, don’t miss BetMGM‘s risk-free, first-bet offer!
Place your legal, online sports bets at BetMGM! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!
Bucks at Suns: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Bucks 114, Suns 105
Money line (ML)
PASS because Milwaukee is the right side but the Bucks (-185) are out of my price range.
Play our new free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Against the spread (ATS)
Elephant in the room: Who is guarding reigning MVP PF Giannis Antetokounmpo? Since Suns wing/forward Crowder is listed as questionable on the injury report, Phoenix’s projected starting power forward is Frank Kaminsky. If that’s the matchup at tip-off, Giannis should demolish him.
Moreover, Phoenix’s injury report is more concerning than Milwaukee’s. The Suns have one of the better 3-point defenses but the Bucks are one of the highest-volume and best 3-point shooting teams in the Association.
If Paul isn’t out there then Phoenix’s 3-point defense will be less effective even with Milwaukee missing Holiday. TAKE BUCKS -4.5 (-110) for 1 unit.
Over/Under (O/U)
I’d gamble on Milwaukee covering regardless of the final injury report but my handicap of the total is more injury based. Not only does CP3 make Phoenix’s perimeter defense elite but he grinds this game down without Holiday in the lineup.
Also, Milwaukee is doing this thing on defense which allows the poorer shooters on opposing teams to attempt the threes. It’s not working that well so far since the Bucks are 23rd in 3-point defense, but the Suns are 20th in 3-point percentage.
If Milwaukee keys its defense on SG Devin Booker and SF Mikal Bridges the Bucks should be in good shape. BET UNDER 226.5 (-110) for 1 unit (pending the final injury report).
Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Also see:
- NBA Power Rankings: Jazz maintain, while Kings make a big leap (Rookie Wire)
- Hoops Hype rumors: Bucks | Suns
Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]
