The Milwaukee Bucks host the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night at Fiserv Forum. Tipoff is set for 7:30PM ET. The Bucks are 40-34 and sit sixth in the Eastern Conference, while the Suns are 35-40 and 11th in the West. This is the second meeting in a week between the two teams.
Phoenix won the last game 108-106 at home on March 24, with Devin Booker hitting the game-winner. This is also the first time former Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer returns to Milwaukee since being let go in 2023. Both teams are struggling, with Phoenix on a three-game losing streak and Milwaukee having lost four in a row.
Bucks Preview – Searching for Answers at Home
The Bucks lost their last game 145-124 to the Hawks. They shot 69% in the first half but still trailed by seven at the break. Giannis Antetokounmpo led with 31 points and 9 rebounds.
Milwaukee is missing key players. Damian Lillard is out with a groin issue, and Bobby Portis is serving a suspension. AJ Green and Jericho Sims are also not available due to injuries. Without Lillard, Giannis leads the team in points, rebounds, and assists.
The Bucks rank first in scoring in every quarter and are putting up 114.3 points per game. Brook Lopez adds rim protection with 1.8 blocks per game. The team is 23-14 at home and has covered the spread in 37 of 75 games this season. Milwaukee has also hit the game total over in 14 of their last 19 home games.
Suns Preview – Trying to Regroup Without Durant
The Suns come off a 148-109 loss to Houston. Kevin Durant hurt his ankle and will not travel with the team. Bradley Beal is also out with a hamstring injury.
Devin Booker will have to lead the way. He’s averaging 25.3 points and 7 assists. In their last win over the Bucks, Durant had 38 points and Booker added 19 with 12 assists. Phoenix will miss Durant’s shot-making and Beal’s scoring threat in this one.
Phoenix is shooting a league-best 38.3% from three and ranks second in free throw percentage. But they’ve struggled on the road, going just 12-25 away from home. They have only covered the spread in 30 of their last 84 games and continue to deal with defensive issues, allowing 114.3 points per game.
Betting Prediction
Milwaukee is favored by -6.5 with a total of 223.5. Even with the Bucks on a four-game losing streak, Phoenix is more short-handed. Without Durant and Beal, Booker will have a heavy workload.
Milwaukee has covered the spread more often this season and plays better at home. Expect Giannis and the Bucks to bounce back. A score around 118-108 makes sense here.
Pick: Bucks -6.5
This should be a great game in the National Basketball Association. But, in the end, too many injuries for the Phoenix Suns. The Milwaukee Bucks are going to win this game, and win it easily. Take Milwaukee -6.5 over Phoenix on Tuesday. Enjoy the game and best of luck!
