Milwaukee Bucks vs Washington Wizards Point Spread Picks

Milwaukee has lost three in a row, clearly feeling the impact of the injury bug. Giannis Antetokounmpo (28 ppg, 10 rpg) is out with a right calf strain, along with Kevin Porter Jr. (16.8 ppg) and Taurean Prince (neck surgery). Cole Anthony (illness) is also questionable, and this pointspread reflects the MASH unit we'll see on the court tonight. Since 2018, the Bucks laid an average of -9.2 points against the Wizards and held them to 117.4 points per game, going 19-6. This year, Washington is 27th in the NBA in scoring, 25th in shooting, and 23rd from the free-throw line. The Wizards are scoring only 112.3 PPG and haven't proven they can capitalize on these situations. Milwaukee is coming off games against the Sixers, Nuggets, and OKC, but this is a considerable step down in competition. Look for Milwaukee to lean on its D, slow down the pace, and snag a much-needed win. Take the Bucks to cover. 

Washington is 19-12 OVER this season, and both meetings with Milwaukee went OVER by an average of 23.5 points. The Wizards are #29, allowing 125.0 points per game, and seven of the past nine meetings have gone OVER. The Bucks went OVER in their 123-113 win over Charlotte on Monday, as Bobby Portis scored 25 points and Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to the lineup after missing several games with an injury. Washington is 6-0 OVER its past six games following an ATS loss, and the Bucks are 7-1 OVER at home against teams with less than .400 winning percentages. Take the OVER. 

Even with Giannis Antetokounmpo and newcomer Myles Turner, the Bucks are coming into the season as a middle-of-the-road team. There is no Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton anymore. Instead, the Bucks have to rely on a thin backcourt and the hope that Kyle Kuzma plays better. Don't hold your breath on that. Antetokounmpo is a top-five player, but he is surrounded by inconsistency, and the Bucks are going to be careful with his minutes, especially with road games against the Raptors and Cavaliers on deck. A slow start looms for the Bucks, so taking this many points with the Wizards makes sense. Yes, the Wizards are in year three of yet another rebuilding phase. However, they currently have a combination of veterans, including CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton, alongside a high number of young players with upside. Take the Wizards to cover. 

Milwaukee got Giannis Antetokounmpo back last night and he had 23 points in a 116-110 win over the Clippers. The defense is 14th in the NBA in points given up. The Bucks' defense has struggled even more in back-to-backs, losing their last three in this situational allowing 125 points in all three. Milwaukee is on a 13-8 run OVER the total. Washington's defense is last in points surrendered (122 per game), 25th in shooting allowed, and 26th at defending the 3-pointer. The Wizards have lost four in a row allowing 134, 125, 131, and 134 points, and are on an 11-7 run OVER the total. Take Milwaukee/Washington OVER the total.