Milwaukee Bucks (32-15) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (14-33)
The Line: Portland Trail Blazers +9.5; Over/Under: +235
(Get latest betting odds)
An emotional return to Portland awaits Damian Lillard on Wednesday, January 31, so make sure to check out the Bucks vs Trail Blazers Player Prop Bets. The Milwaukee Bucks travel northwest hoping to secure the fifth consecutive H2H road win, while the Portland Trail Blazers look for the fourth win in five home games.
Bucks vs Trail Blazers Player Prop Bets – Damian Lillard Over 6.5 Assists (+110)
Damian Lillard spent 11 seasons in Portland and this will definitely be a tough game for him. Although he scored 31 points in an H2H duel in Milwaukee earlier this season, this game at Moda Center will surely be more emotional for him.
Lillard averages 25.1 ppg and 6.8 apg this season, and even though the latter is the lowest average in six years for him, Lillard did register 8+ dishes in three of the past six games. Something is telling me he will be pretty nervous tonight in front of the familiar crowd, which will likely welcome him with standing ovations.
I don’t think Lillard will have the heart to single-handedly destroy his former team, so he will let that task to Giannis Antetokounmpo. That’s why I expect Dame to dish out 7+ assists, most of which will probably go to the Greek Freak. Portland allows 8.8 apg to the opposing point guards this year.
Anfernee Simons Over 23.5 Points (-120)
Since Lillard left, Anfernee Simons became Portland’s top scorer. This year, he averages 22.8 ppg in 33.4 mpg. After combining for 73 points against the Rockets and Spurs, Simons combined for only 26 points against the Bulls and Sixers. I am backing him to return to his usual and pour 24+ points against the Bucks.
Simons will be motivated to display his best performance against his mentor and former teammate Lillard. Anfernee missed the previous H2H with an injury, so this will be the first meeting with Dame. The Bucks allow 23.6 ppg to the opposing shooting guards, which is the fourth-worst record in the NBA.
Expect Simons to take 20+ shots and spend 35+ minutes on the floor tonight. Even though Portland averages 108.3 ppg this season, Milwaukee allows 120.0 ppg, so I believe in Portland’s offense and Simons.
Hopefully, the Bucks vs Trail Blazers Player Prop Bets will help you to make a profit. For more NBA prop picks on Wednesday, January 31, you’re welcome to read the Suns vs Nets Player Prop Bets.
