The Milwaukee Bucks (17-21) will conclude their four-game road trip by taking on the Denver Nuggets (25-13) this Sunday at Ball Arena in Denver. The game is scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. ET. As the matchup approaches, BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds indicate a competitive contest between the two teams.
In their previous outing, Milwaukee secured a tight 105-101 win against the Los Angeles Lakers while covering the spread as a 3-point underdog. Kevin Porter Jr. led the Bucks with 22 points, and Giannis Antetokounmpo followed closely with 21 points. The Bucks’ defense was crucial, limiting the Lakers to just 43% shooting.
On the other hand, the Nuggets are coming off a disappointing 110-87 loss to the Atlanta Hawks, failing to cover the spread in that game as well. Although Peyton Watson had a strong performance with 25 points and 11 rebounds, he was the only Nugget to score over 15 points. Denver struggled significantly, turning the ball over 19 times, which allowed Atlanta to capitalize and score 18 points off those turnovers.
Current odds provide insight into how both teams are viewed going into this matchup. The Bucks are listed at -135 on the moneyline, indicating they are expected to win, while the Nuggets are at +110. Against the spread, the Bucks are favored by 1.5 points. The total points line is set at 220.5.
In terms of injuries affecting the game, the Bucks have Kevin Porter Jr. listed as probable due to a hip issue and Taurean Prince out for a neck injury. The Nuggets will be missing key players including Nikola Jokic (knee) and Cameron Johnson (knee), while Christian Braun (ankle) and Aaron Gordon (hamstring) are probable for play. The status of Jamal Murray (ankle) remains questionable.
Analyzing the matchup, the prediction leans towards a Bucks victory with a projected score of 115 to 113. Milwaukee is currently experiencing a resurgence with a 3-1 record in their last four games, whereas Denver has struggled with a 2-3 record over their previous five games. With Jokic absent, the Bucks may exploit their advantage, especially with Antetokounmpo leading the charge.
While picking the Bucks to win seems rational, caution is advised if Murray takes the court, as he could swing the momentum back in Denver’s favor. The recommendation is to favor the Bucks for a safer moneyline bet rather than a spread cover due to Denver regaining some defensive strength.
For those considering the total points, betting on the Under at 220.5 appears favorable. The Under has succeeded in four of Denver’s last six games and is supported by Milwaukee’s recent scoring trends. With significant offensive players potentially sidelined, there might not be enough scoring power for an over outcome to be plausible.
This matchup promises to be a tension-filled contest as both teams vie for a critical victory in the season. As they prepare to take the court, fans can anticipate an exciting evening of basketball.