This will be a challenging game for Milwaukee as they host the Clippers. With both teams working their way up the conference standings, homecourt advantage is within their grasp. Tonight's game could go a long way in securing pivotably playoff seating!
Kawhi Leonard Questionable
Drew Eubanks Questionable
Amir Coffey Questionable
Andre Jackson Jr Questionable
Damian Lillard Questionable
Giannis Antetokounmpo Questionable
This Clippers team continues to get more interesting. Now that they've added Ben Simmons and Bogdan Bogdanovic the team has some much-needed depth. Simmons, in particular, helps round out this team tremendously. Despite his lack of scoring, coming off the bench, he’ll be devastating as a defender and rebounder. He’ll give the Clippers a much better rotation, allowing them not solely to rely on Zubac to do all the post-work. His passing will also be a nice addition, giving the bench a true backup playmaker.
Overall, there is a lot to like about a veteran team like the Clippers. They’re not sexy at all, but they feel like a 2003 Toyota Camry. Nothing flashy, but it will get the job done, and it has been doing it for years. This roster is built sneakily well, in my opinion. They have multiple multi-positional defenders with a great backcourt. This team is just dull. They play at their own pace, grind you down, and everyone plays their role. It’s an interesting group that I expect to do well against Milwaukee.
The Bucks haven’t had an easy season. They’ve struggled at times, and now, with Bobby Portis suspended for 25 games, their bench just became much weaker. With Lillard and Giannis questionable tonight, this could be a blowout if they don’t play. However, I expect them to be available tonight.
If the Bucks have their full team, it could be interesting. The addition of Kuzma has been a slow integration, but he’s figuring out his role. He’s at least providing more scoring than Middleton was capable of, but his efficiency still needs some work.
Regardless, this Bucks team feels like they are treading on thin ice. They’re held together with bubble gum and string; it feels like a situation that could easily blow up. At the same time, with Lillard and Giannis, this team could also go on a run.
Considering the matchup, the Clippers have the stronger case for tonight's game. They have a better, deeper team. It probably won't be close, especially if Giannis or Lillard misses tonight’s game. The Clippers are well-rested, improved more than the Bucks during the trade deadline, and are on a three-game win streak; they should be able to take this one.
Money line: LAC (-142) / MIL (+120)
Total Points: 228.5
Spread: -2.5 LAC (-112) / +2.5 (-108)
The Clippers have the personnel to cause trouble for the Bucks. They'll likely attack Lillard all night on defense with the tandem of Harden and Powell. Even though the Clippers don't have much to throw at Giannis, they can still slow down everyone else on this team. Expect Giannis to have a big game, but the rest of the team to struggle.
Considering the last matchup had Giannis scoring 36 points and Lillard getting 29, it feels like the over is a solid bet. They managed to hit 234 combined last time while shooting around or below average. If these teams get to the line anything like they did in the first matchup, this should be a high-scoring affair.
This could be a close game, but I think the Clippers pull away in the 4th. They’ve been solid in the 4th this year and can exploit some of these weak defensive matchups on Milwaukee.
Norm Powell dominated the last time these teams met. He dropped 33 three points, while Harden had 40. These guards were unstoppable. Considering the Bucks didn’t make any meaningful improvements to their backcourt defense, it seems likely Powell can have a big night again!
Considering Zubac only grabbed 10 rebounds in the last matchup, and now he’ll be sharing the court with Ben Simmons, his numbers might drop. He’s been averaging 12.6 rebounds a game, but I expect to see those numbers decline with the new additions to the roster.
Harden has been having another stellar passing year. Averaging 8.6 assists per game, the 10-assist mark feels high. He has been on a hot streak over the last 5 games, but against more competitive teams, he’s struggled to hit 10 assist mark.
With Giannis averaging 1.4 blocks per game, this 2+ line isn’t wild. Especially with Kuzma on the team now, Giannis shouldn't have too much trouble blocking him.