A matchup of recent NBA champions is set for Wednesday night as the Denver Nuggets (2023 champions) welcome the Milwaukee Bucks (2021 champions). The Nuggets hold a 45-28 record this season, placing them third in the Western Conference, while the Bucks are 40-31, currently fifth in the East. However, both teams are facing uncertainty regarding their star players. Nikola Jokic is doubtful for Denver due to an ankle injury, and Giannis Antetokounmpo`s participation for Milwaukee is questionable with a foot injury. Additionally, Milwaukee will be without Damian Lillard, who is sidelined with a calf issue.
The game is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET at Ball Arena in Denver. The Nuggets are currently favored by 6 points, according to consensus odds, and the over/under for total points is set at 222.5.
Predictions model has been remarkably accurate in NBA picks, boasting a significant profit over the past six seasons. It enters Week 23 of the 2024-25 NBA season on a strong run, demonstrating a high success rate on top-rated picks this season.
Here are the betting odds for the Nuggets vs. Bucks game:
- Nuggets vs. Bucks Spread: Nuggets -6
- Nuggets vs. Bucks Over/Under: 222.5 points
- Nuggets vs. Bucks Money Line: Denver -233, Milwaukee +199
Why the Nuggets Could Cover the Spread
The potential absence of Jokic is a significant concern for Denver. Aaron Gordon is also questionable with a calf injury, while Christian Braun is likely to play despite a foot issue. In their recent game against the Chicago Bulls, which they lost 129-119, the Nuggets struggled with their 3-point shooting. However, Jamal Murray scored 28 points, and DeAndre Jordan performed well as Jokic`s replacement, recording 10 points, 17 rebounds, and seven assists.
Peyton Watson also contributed significantly with 24 points, six rebounds, and four blocks. He will likely have a crucial role if Gordon remains out. Historically, the Nuggets and Bucks have split their last 10 encounters, but Denver has a slight edge against the spread in those games.
Why the Bucks Could Cover the Spread
Milwaukee is coming off a narrow 108-106 defeat to the Phoenix Suns, a game in which Antetokounmpo played. He scored 31 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and provided five assists. Despite his performance, the Bucks were outrebounded significantly and struggled with shooting efficiency from the field and beyond the arc.
However, they still managed to cover the spread as 3-point road underdogs and have a good record of covering the spread on the road recently. With Milwaukee aiming for home-court advantage in the playoffs, expect a strong sense of urgency from them in this game.
Game Prediction
Predictions model projects a total of 225 points for the game and indicates a strong probability for one side of the spread to hit.
Jasper Hawthorne