The Milwaukee Bucks host the Denver Nuggets at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on Thursday night, with tip-off scheduled for 8:00 PM ET. The Nuggets (38-20) are third in the Western Conference, while the Bucks (32-25) hold the fifth spot in the East. This game features a marquee matchup between MVP candidates Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic.
The Bucks are looking to bounce back after their four-game win streak was snapped by the Houston Rockets in a close 100-97 loss. The Nuggets, on the other hand, are riding high after a 125-116 victory over the Indiana Pacers, marking their 10th win in their last 11 games.
Denver Nuggets Preview – Can Jokic Keep Dominating?
The Denver Nuggets are among the hottest teams in the NBA, having won 10 of their last 11 games. Nikola Jokic continues to put up MVP-level numbers, averaging career highs with 29.2 points, 10.4 assists, 12.6 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. He is a top-three player in scoring, assists, rebounds, and steals, showcasing his all-around impact.
Denver’s offense ranks first in the league in field goal percentage (50.9%) and assists (31.3 per game). The team has balanced scoring, as six players reached double figures in their recent win over Indiana. Aaron Gordon led the way with 25 points, while Jokic dished out a career-high 19 assists.
The Nuggets will need to maintain their high level of play against a tough Bucks defense. Denver is currently a 2.5-point road favorite, and the team has excelled in high-scoring games, with the total going over in 35 of their last 56 contests.
Milwaukee Bucks Preview – Can Giannis Lead the Bucks to Victory?
The Milwaukee Bucks are looking to rebound after a disappointing loss to the Houston Rockets. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to shine, leading the Bucks with 31 points and 12 rebounds per game. However, Milwaukee struggled offensively against Houston, with Damian Lillard shooting just 7-of-22 from the field.
The Bucks have a solid home record (19-9) and rely on their defense, ranking third in the league in opponent field goal percentage (44.9%). Milwaukee’s success often hinges on Lillard’s performance and the involvement of Kyle Kuzma, who did not see many touches in the last game. Brook Lopez remains a defensive anchor, averaging two blocks per game.
Milwaukee has covered the 1H spread in 31 of their last 49 games, and they will need a fast start to avoid letting Denver control the pace. The Bucks have also shown strength in the second quarter, hitting the moneyline in 28 of their last 45 games.
Betting Prediction
The Nuggets are 2.5-point favorites with a total set at 240.5 points. Denver’s offense has been electric, and the Bucks have struggled with consistency, especially when Lillard is not hitting shots. With both teams featuring high-powered offenses, expect a high-scoring affair.
Predicted score: Denver 120, Milwaukee 115. The Nuggets should cover the spread, and the total points might go over if both MVP candidates deliver big performances.
Pick: Denver Nuggets -2.5 and UNDER240.5
We look for a great game between these two solid basketball teams. But, in the end, the Nuggets win the game, and the total goes UNDER the total of 240.5. Enjoy the game!
