The Milwaukee Bucks will face the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday, January 4th, 2024 (7:30 PM ET). The Spurs, who will host the game, are underdogs at +9.5 (bet365). My Bucks vs Spurs prediction is that the Bucks will win this game.
NBA Game Preview at a Glance
Away: Milwaukee Bucks
Home: San Antonio Spurs
Game time: Thursday, January 4th, 2024 @ 7:30 PM ET
Bucks vs Spurs odds (home team’s spread): +9.5 (bet365)
Milwaukee vs San Antonio Prediction: Recent NBA Headlines
The Milwaukee Bucks played on Wednesday night, a game that they lost to the Indiana Pacers. The score was 142-130 with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard logging big minutes at 36 each. The game could be called an “off game” for Milwaukee but the team has struggled with the Pacers all season. This was their fourth loss to Indiana this season and the Bucks will be happy not to see them again for the balance of the regular season.
Milwaukee Bucks injuries: recent news
For injuries, Milwaukee will be missing AJ Green on Thursday. Otherwise, the Bucks look clear at the front end of their depth chart. There could be gameday updates from the team since they were active on Wednesday night. Bettors will have to check on the club on Thursday morning and/or the early afternoon before making any bets in favor of Milwaukee.
Double-check for playing status updates with Milwaukee (00:02 ET time of writing):: Team’s Depth Chart
The San Antonio Spurs last played on Tuesday. Surprise, surprise — the team lost their most recent game. They are 5-28 and are the worst team in the NBA in terms of effort. Yes, Detroit has a worse record but the Pistons are full throttle in terms of trying to improve their season. San Antonio started the season 3-2 but has gone 2-25 since that time.
San Antonio Spurs injuries: recent news
The Spurs could be down their starting point guard on Thursday. Malaki Branham is doubtful for the game according to Matthew Tynan. Zach Collins also went out a few days ago with a timeline that should keep him off the court until at least the middle of the month.
Double-check status updates San Antonio (00:02 ET time of writing):: Team’s Depth Chart
Bucks vs Spurs Prediction: Betting Tips
In this game, you should take the Milwaukee Bucks at -450 on the moneyline (bet365). The Spurs have gone just 2-25 in their last 27 games. That means that they are a team that cannot be supported except at really long odds. In backing Milwaukee, you want the following first: Antetokounmpo, Lillard, Brook Lopez, Malik Beasley, and Bobby Portis all active or probable.
Lillard could have a huge game if San Antonio’s starting guard is downgraded to “out.” Also, I think there is a bit more favoring the guard play for Milwaukee on offense whenever Wembanyama is on the court.
For player props, you should oppose Giannis Antetokounmpo on the night. I think the presence of Victor Wembanyama will shut down some of the easy buckets for Antetokounmpo. Furthermore, if this game gets out of hand, then he is a candidate for some bench time following his efforts against the Pacers. For a same-game parlay, go the Bucks on the moneyline and Antetokounmpo to have UNDER 34.5 points at odds of +145 (bet365).
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