Damian Lillard is heading back to where it all started, as Milwaukee is on the road in Portland. Despite a massive record difference, the Portland Trail Blazers have been rolling. Picking up some big wins late this January, they won’t be an easy team to beat at home. However, with Giannis Antetokoumnpo on the court, it’s always an uphill battle. Can the Bucks pick this one up on the second game of a road back-to-back? Tune in at 7:00 PM ET for tip-off.
Tyler Smith Out
Liam Robbins Out
Bobby Portis Questionable
AJ Green Questionable
Deandre Ayton Questionable
Matisse Thybulle Out
Portland has been performing well lately, winning three of its last four games. However, this game could be tricky, as Milwaukee is coming in on a road back-to-back. They pulled out a 15-point win in Utah last night, but it wasn’t a clean blowout. Utah was threatening early in that game before falling away.
However, Milwaukee has been on the rise since January. They have only lost four games this month, adding another nine wins to their record. They’ve been figuring things out as this Giannis Lillard combo improves. Even Middleton has been slowly returning to form as he continues to come off the bench. This team seems to be looking like more of a threat in the East, and with them in trade rumors, the roster could see additional improvements.
For tonight’s matchup, they’ll have to fight through a scrappy Portland defense, with Toumani Camara and Deni Avdija leading the charge. This Portland roster has the depth to challenge a thin Bucks roster. However, they don’t have much to match Lillard or Giannis. Giannis will likely be able to get whatever he wants against Portland, as he did in the first matchup, when he scored 31. Milwaukee did lose that matchup, so this game could be a close one.
I’m leaning towards Portland to take this game solely because of the rest advantage. The Bucks have been improving but might have tired legs, which won’t help them against a young, fast team like Portland.
Money line: POR (+170) / MIL (-205)
Total Points: 229
Spread: +5.5 POR (-112) / -5.5 MIL (-108)
Portland has done it once before this season, taking out the Bucks in Milwaukee. Now, they’re looking even better than they did, and the Bucks are on the second night of a back-to-back. This is another potential upset for Portland over Milwaukee. Don’t bet the house on this, but it could be a strong line.
Portland hasn’t been laying big scores this year, and Milwaukee probably doesn’t have the energy to either. Expect a game in the 215 range instead. With the last matchup of these teams landing at 207, the 229 mark feels off.
Even if Portland doesn’t win this game, they’ll likely keep it close. Only winning by three points in the last matchup, this game could easily finish in that range as well. This will be a close game, regardless of who wins.
Damian Lillard Under 3.5 Made Threes (+100)
Lillard has not played well in Portland since he left. With so many family and friends left in the state, the game might not be on the top of his mind when he returns to the Pacific Northwest—hitting just 2 of his 7 attempts in their last game. He’s struggled to score in Portland. Don’t expect Lillard to be hitting from deep tonight.
Deni Avdija Over 7.5 Rebounds (+100)
Avdija has taken his game up a level lately. Putting in great work on both ends of the floor, his rebounding numbers continue to excel. Averaging 6.5 boards a game, he’ll likely have some solid opportunities tonight.
Anfernee Simons Over 1.5 Turnovers (-188)
Simons has been better with the ball lately, but this is a low line for turnovers. He’s averaging 2.8 a game, so a 1.5 line seems like a gimme. The odds aren’t incredible, but if you’re looking for something to toss on a parlay, this is the line for you!
Brook Lopez Over 5.5 Rebounds (-110)
With Bobby Portis still questionable for this game, Brook might need to be on the floor longer tonight. If that’s the case, he’ll easily have the opportunity to grab a few more boards. Averaging just below five a game, six should not be a challenge for him.