The Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets play in an inter-conference battle on Friday. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Bucks-Nuggets prediction and pick.
The Bucks and Nuggets will meet in a match of MVPs on Friday, or at least we hope. Nikola Jokic is questionable to play, which will obviously be a huge factor in the final line in this game. The Nuggets have struggled in his absence as are currently on a five-game losing streak. The Bucks however seem to be finding their stride as they are on a five-game win streak. Milwaukee was slow out of the gates off of their championship but seem to be rounding into form. The Bucks come in as road favorites over the Nuggets on Friday. Both of these teams have big goals for the season, and have taken their ups and downs this season as they try to get healthy.
Here are the Bucks-Nuggets odds for this Friday NBA matchup, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Bucks-Nuggets Odds
Milwaukee Bucks -3.5 (-110)
Denver Nuggets +3.5 (-110)
Over 214 points (-110)
Under 214 points (-110)
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Why The Bucks Can Cover The Spread
Milwaukee is finally getting healthy, as Khris Middleton's return has seemingly sparked the team. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday are their usual selves, and all of the sudden the Bucks are back to being a team no one wants to face. They are 7-3 in their last ten games, and they are sixth in the NBA in net rating over that stretch. After all of their struggles to start the season, the Bucks are now just three games behind the Brooklyn Nets for the No. 1 seed in the East. The Bucks will look to stay hot vs. a banged up Denver team on Friday, as even if Jokic plays they will still be without Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.
The Bucks are 8-11 vs. the spread this season, but could be in good position for a cover in this spot vs. a thin Nuggets rotation.
Why The Nuggets Can Cover The Spread
The Nuggets will need Jokic obviously to do much in this spot. They are already down their next two best players in Murray and Porter Jr., so Jokic not suiting up would leave the Nuggets as big underdogs and likely losers of their sixth straight vs. a Bucks team that is somewhat healthy. Denver has been a shell of themselves over their five game losing streak. Jokic is too important to this team, and if he's ruled out the Bucks may jump to double-digit favorites.
Denver is 7-11 vs. the spread this season, and has not covered in their past four games. If Jokic doesn't suit up Friday, expect that to continue. The Nuggets simply don't have enough offense to operate vs. a good Bucks team without their best player.
Final Bucks-Nuggets Prediction & Pick
Obviously the status of Jokic is massive in this spot as he is an MVP and essentially Denver's entire offense. The Bucks are the safer play either way, as even if he suits up he may be limited by his injury. The Bucks have been rolling, and should be able to dominate the game if he were to miss. Take Milwaukee to win their six straight with a cover over the Nuggets on Friday evening.
FINAL BUCKS-NUGGETS PREDICTION & PICK: Bucks -3.5 (-110)
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