Wizards vs. Bucks Prediction & Odds
The third-place Wizards travel to Milwaukee to take on the first-place Bucks on New Year’s Day at 8:00 PM ET. Can the Bucks cover the 8.5-point spread as home favorites?
The Washington Wizards are 16-21 on the season. They are 5-5 in their last 10 games. The Wizards are 16-18-3 ATS on the year.
The Milwaukee Bucks are 23-12 on the season. They’re 4-6 in their last 10 games. The Bucks are 18-15-2 ATS on the year.
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
523 Washington Wizards (+8.5) at 524 Milwaukee Bucks (-8.5); O/U 225.5
8:00 PM ET, Sunday, January 1, 2023
Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
Wizards vs. Bucks Public Betting Information
Our NBA Public Betting Information page indicates that 50% of public bettors are currently backing the Wizards +8.5 in this contest. Note that these numbers are subject to change, so be sure to check the link to receive the most up-to-date public betting data.
Washington Wizards DFS Spin
Wizards star guard Bradley Beal has missed Washington’s last two games with left hamstring soreness, and it’s unclear if he’ll be available for Sunday’s tilt with the Bucks. Beal is leading Washington in scoring this year with 23.5 points per game on 52.7% shooting from the field. His status should be monitored up to game time.
Washington small forward Kyle Kuzma would be a nice value play in DFS regardless of whether Beal ends up playing or not. Kuzma is averaging a career-high 21.7 points per game this year while shooting a career-best 46.9% from the field. If that wasn’t enough, Kuzma is also averaging a team-high 2.6 made three-pointers per game while pulling down 7.5 boards per contest. He should be in for a big day with a few of Milwaukee’s better defensive players out on Sunday.
Milwaukee Bucks DFS Spin
The Bucks will be without two of their three best players on Sunday. Bucks small forward Khris Middleton has been dealing with right knee soreness, and he is likely to be out until at least the middle of January. Bucks point guard Jrue Holiday will also miss Sunday’s tilt with the Wizards as he’s dealing with a hamstring ailment. Middleton and Holiday have combined to average 30 points per game for Milwaukee this year, so the Bucks will have to replace that production somewhere.
Milwaukee Bucks star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has been one of the best players in the NBA all season. Antetokounmpo is averaging 32.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game this season while shooting a scorching 53.3% from the field. What’s more, Giannis Antetokounmpo has posted back-to-back 40-point 20-rebound games since Jrue Holiday has been sidelined. I don’t know if Giannis will record 40 points and 20 rebounds again on Sunday, but he should put up some big numbers against a Washington defense that’s 16th in the NBA in opponent points in the paint per game.
Wizards vs. Bucks NBA Betting Trends
Washington is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following an ATS win.
Washington is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games.
Washington is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games overall.
Milwaukee is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Wizards vs. Bucks NBA Prediction
The injuries to both Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday are the key factor in this game. Milwaukee has gotten used to playing without Middleton, as he’s only appeared in 7 games this year, but the loss of Jrue Holiday, the Bucks’ second-leading scorer and assists leader makes covering this game a tall task. Giannis Antetokounmpo might be the best player in the league, but he’s only averaging 33.7 minutes per game. How are the Bucks going to score when he’s on the bench?
Washington is also on a mini hot stretch of late, winning their last 4 contests and 5 out of their last 6. I think the Wizards can keep this game close enough to cover the spread in Milwaukee on New Year’s Day.
NBA BETTING PREDICTION: WASHINGTON WIZARDS +8.5
