The Milwaukee Bucks (32-6), the NBA’s top shooting defense, will go head-to-head against the Golden State Warriors (9-29) at Chase Center. The game starts at 10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 8, 2020, and will air on ESPN.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Golden State Warriors ATS Odds
Both teams fell in their last matchup. The Warriors (10-point underdogs) were defeated by the Sacramento Kings, 111-98, while the Bucks (8.5-point favorites) fell to the San Antonio Spurs, 126-104. The Golden State game finished 3.5 points under the projected point total of 212.5, while the Milwaukee game finished 1.5 points over the projected point total of 228.5.
Milwaukee had a turnover percentage of 7.3 (better than their season average of 12.4) while Golden State held Sacramento to an offensive rebounding percentage of 15.0 (below their season average of 23.2). Omari Spellman put together a solid performance for Golden State with 13 points and six rebounds. Milwaukee was lifted by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who finished with 24 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists.
This series was highly competitive last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Warriors won the last matchup 105-95. Golden State made 19 of its 46 three pointers (41.3 percent). Milwaukee, meanwhile, had a much better free throw rate (0.174 vs. 0.067). This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Bucks games, with 20 overs compared to 18 unders. Milwaukee comes into the contest with records of 32-6 straight up (SU) and 21-17 against the spread (ATS).
Of the Warriors’ 38 games, 21 have finished under the O/U total. Further, Golden State owns records of 9-29 SU and 17-21 ATS.
Golden State might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they clash against one of the NBA’s best defenses. Milwaukee ranks first in defensive efficiency while the Warriors rank 29th in offensive efficiency.
Bucks vs. Warriors Betting Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Warriors, ATS Winner – Warriors, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Warriors rank fifth in steals per game (8.5) while the Bucks rank 15th (7.7).
- Milwaukee ranks third in points in the paint per game (51.3) while Golden State ranks 29th (43.6).
- The Bucks rank first in fast break points per game (18.7) while the Warriors rank 22nd in fast break points allowed per game (14.2).
- Milwaukee ranks first in rebounds per game (51.5) while Golden State ranks 22nd (43.8).
- Milwaukee ranks third in blocks per game (6.5) while Golden State ranks 21st (4.7).
- The Bucks rank fourth in three pointers attempted per game (39.1) while the Warriors rank 28th (28.5).
- The Bucks average 26.0 assists per game, which ranks sixth in the league. The Warriors rank 25th in assists allowed per game (25.2).
- Milwaukee ranks 11th in points off turnovers per game (17.4) while Golden State ranks 21st in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.9).
- Milwaukee ranks first in second chance points allowed per game (11.0) while Golden State ranks 22nd (13.7).
- Milwaukee is 8-0 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Golden State is 4-2.
- When scoring above 100 points, the Warriors are 9-18 and the Bucks are 32-6.
- Golden State is 8-10 ATS at home, while Milwaukee is 10-8 ATS on the road.
- The Bucks have 10 overs and 8 unders in 18 road games.
- In 18 home games, the Warriors have 11 unders and 7 overs.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Milwaukee and Golden State have both had 3 overs and 2 unders.
- The Bucks are 2-3 ATS over their last five games, while the Warriors are 1-4.
- During their last five games, the Bucks have scored an average of 114.2 points per game (5.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 110.0 points per game (2.7 above their season average).
- The Warriors’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 11.8, up from 7.8 for the season.
