The Milwaukee Bucks take on the San Antonio Spurs in an interconference matchup Saturday night. It's time to continue our NBA Odds series with a Bucks-Spurs prediction and pick based on Bucks Spurs odds.
After what was a great opening night for the Bucks, game two was the complete opposite. A 127-104 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, was followed by a 137-95 defeat to the Miami Heat, Thursday. They faced two difficult teams from the East, but the reigning Champs should've played better without question. Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with just 15 points, with Kris Middleton ending with only 10. It's no doubt that the Bucks will improve off of this loss. They are without Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez, who are major parts to this roster. Once they are fully healthy again they should be the favorite to win the East once again.
The Spurs are also 1-1 to start the season. They dominated the Orlando Magic in game one but fell to the Denver Nuggets Friday night. San Antonio is seeing great production from Keldon Johnson and DeJounte Murray. Those two are building pieces for the future and it's only a matter of time until the Spurs are contending again. For now, they do have a little ways to go before competing against the top teams. This matchup against the Bucks early in the year can show where they stack against the league.
Here is how the bookmakers have set the line for this Bucks-Spurs matchup.
NBA Odds: Bucks-Spurs Odds
Milwaukee Bucks: -6.5 (-106)
San Antonio Spurs: +6.5 (-114)
Over: 225.5 (-110)
Under: 225.5 (-110)
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Why The Bucks Could Cover The Spread
The Bucks can cover any spread they go up against this season. This should be a favorable matchup for the Bucks and should be one of the easier teams they face this season. Because the Bucks are missing two valuable starters, this game should be a lot closer than expected, but maybe not. Antetokounmpo is a mismatch no matter how you look at it. If he is 100% then he should have a great game Saturday. Middleton continues to be a dominant shooter and can also defend as well.
The Spurs' young core is on the rise and can establish themselves against the defending Champs. The Bucks will need to avoid turning it over because the Spurs can run in transition. The speed the Spurs contain can turn steals into easy layups. The same goes for Milwaukee, they can score very easily during fast breaks. That is going to be a factor to keep an eye on for this game. Whoever turns the ball over less should come out on top. That seems simple, but that isn't always the case.
Why the Spurs Could Cover The Spread
It's going to be difficult to cover this spread, but here is how they can do it. The Spurs will clearly need to shut down Antetokounmpo and Middleton. It's way easier said than done, but it's a must for this game. They will need to force Antetokounmpo to shoot the ball and force turnovers. Murray will need to shoot well and they will need another great game from Johnson. The team doesn't have DeRozan anymore so that veteran leadership is now vacant. It's up to someone else to step up and take over that role.
Nobody picked the Spurs to win the West this year. It is likely not going to happen. But this still can be a successful season if they get production from Johnson, Murray, and Lonnie Walker. They have a great young core to build on but need that superstar to take them to the next level. Can Murray form into that role? This game can be a great introduction for that if he plays well. He is their best player, and show great improvement last season.
Final Bucks-Spurs Prediction & Pick
I think the Bucks will cover the spread with ease. They played horrible Thursday against the Heat, and so they should bounce back and dominate the Spurs. Even without Lopez and Holiday, I expect the Bucks to win by at least double digits Saturday night. With there the over/under is projected, I like the over in this game as well. There is no way the Bucks score less than 100 points in back-to-back games. The first half should be close, but I expect the Bucks to take over late in the game and seal the win. Don't be surprised if the Bucks end up winning by a wider margin as well.
Final Bucks-Spurs Prediction And Pick: Bucks -6.5 (-110) & Over 225.5 (-110)
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