The Los Angeles Clippers travel to Wisconsin to play the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. It should be a great game, as Giannis Antetokounmpo faces off against Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Clippers-Bucks prediction and pick.
With the Clippers currently in second place in the Western Conference and the Bucks third in the Eastern Conference, this game should come down to the wire. These are two of the best teams in the league right now, which makes this game a potential NBA Finals preview for fans alike.
With Jrue Holiday coming back into the rotation after a lengthy COVID-related absence, the Bucks have managed to enter this game as the favorite to win. However, with a fully healthy roster, the Los Angeles Clippers are a beast with a great chance to pull off the “upset.”
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Clippers-Bucks odds.
NBA Odds: Clippers vs. Bucks
Los Angeles Clippers +1 (-110)
Milwaukee Bucks -1 (-110)
Over 233.5 Points (-108)
Under 233.5 Points (-112)
Why The Clippers Could Cover The Spread
Los Angeles has one of the most stacked rosters in the league. Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, Reggie Jackson, Luke Kennard, and Serge Ibaka round out the depth of the roster surrounding Leonard and George.
With both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George averaging over 23 points per game, this Clippers team has become difficult to stop all year.
Additionally, the Clippers are one of the best defensive teams in the league, especially on the perimeter. Not only are George and Leonard known as two of the best perimeter defenders in the league, but Beverley is a feisty point guard who can hang with the best of them.
Expect the Clippers to surround Giannis throughout the game and force him to pass it away to his teammates. Tyronn Lue should be able to conduct a game plan to stop The Greek Freak and potentially give the Clippers the win.
Why The Bucks Could Cover The Spread
The Bucks have arguably the best player in the league in Giannis Antetokounmpo, but his supporting cast is rather impressive as well. Khris Middleton is one of the most underrated scorers in the league. He's averaging 20.6 points, 5.7 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game. He's doing his part in keeping the Bucks competitive and plays an excellent Robin to Giannis' Batman.
Jrue Holiday plays a vital role on this team and will give the Bucks the extra boost they've been missing without his presence. He's also considered one of the best defensive guards in the league, as Damian Lillard claims Holiday is the best perimeter defender he has ever faced.
The Bucks' game plan is simple: feed Giannis the ball and play through their superstar. Antetokounmpo has earned the right to be called The Greek Freak given how he moves around the court smoothly like a guard but dominates the paint like a center. He's a complete mismatch for opposing teams and is the biggest reason why the Bucks have the edge in this matchup against the Clippers.
Final Clippers-Bucks Prediction & Pick
Only one team can walk away victorious, and I'm predicting the underdog to pull off the road win. The Clippers have too many weapons and firepower for the Bucks to contain. Additionally, LA has an incredibly strong defense that has the tools necessary to prevent Giannis from dominating the game.
They can throw a variety of defenders at the two-time MVP, keeping fresh legs guarding Giannis throughout the game.
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION & PICK FOR CLIPPERS-BUCKS: LAC 110, MIL 108
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