The revamped Milwaukee Bucks play host to the Washington Wizards at the Fiserv Forum on Wednesday night. Here’s a Bucks vs Wizards Prediction. This article will include a Bucks vs Wizards Pick.
Washington Wizards Betting Preview
The Washington Wizards are all set for another rebuilding year after managing just 18 wins last season, a slight improvement over the prior season, to finish dead last in the Eastern Conference. It isn’t all doom and gloom though as the Wizards’ management made some moves in the offseason to acquire Marvin Bagley III, Malaki Branham, Dillon Jones, and CJ McCollum.
At the cost of Saddiq Bey, Malcolm Brogdon, Jordan Poole, Marcus Smart, and Richaun Holmes. The Wizards added some veterans to the mix, but they are still set on developing their young talent, especially Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington and Cam Whitmore. Expectations are surely low for this squad, but I think we should see a slight bump in wins this campaign, with the Wizards eclipsing the 20-win mark for the first time since the 22-23 season.
Milwaukee Bucks Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks were one of the real disappointments last season as they reeled off 48 wins to earn the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference, only to get knocked out in the first round for the third straight season. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the team with averages of 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. Damian Lillard proved to be a failed experiment as he averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists but played just 58 games. Bobby Portis averaged 13.9 points and 8.4 rebounds per game, while Brook Lopez averaged 13.0 points per game.
As a team, the Bucks scored 115.5 points per game while shooting 48.6 percent from the field and a league-high 38.7 percent from the 3-point line. They weren’t at their usual standards on the defensive end, so they made a bunch of moves in the offseason. The Bucks moved on from Damian Lillard, Chris Livingston, Pat Connaughton, Brook Lopez and Khris Middleton while acquiring Cole Anthony, Gary Harris and Myles Turner.
Why the Milwaukee Bucks will win
- The Wizards have lost each of their last eight night games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Bucks have won nine of their last 10 home games against the Wizards.
- The Bucks have covered the spread in five of their last six home games.
- The Wizards have failed to cover the spread in 11 of their last 14 season openers against Eastern Conference opponents.
Why the Washington Wizards will win
- The Bucks have lost three of their last four games as home favorites against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Wizards have won three of their last four road openers.
- The Wizards have covered the spread in seven of their last eight road openers.
- The Bucks have failed to cover the spread in six of their last eight home openers against Eastern Conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Eleven of the Bucks’ last 12 games as home favorites have gone OVER the total points line.
- Seven of the Wizards’ last eight road games against Central Division opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
Milwaukee Bucks Player Facts
- Giannis Antetokounmpo ranked 1st in the league for points in the paint (1308) last season.
- Myles Turner ranked 1st in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for blocks per game (2.0) last season.
Washington Wizards Player Facts
- Carlton Carrington has recorded 9+ assists in two consecutive appearances – equal-longest active streak of any player in the league.
- C.J. McCollum was one of only eight players in the league to have made 10+ threes in a game last season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Bucks ranked 30th in the league for offensive rebounds per game last season (8.2).
- The Bucks ranked 1st in the league for three-point percentage last season (38.7%).
- The Wizards ranked 30th in the league for point differential per game last season (-12.4).
- The Wizards ranked 30th in the league for opponent rebounds per game last season (48.9).
Bucks vs Wizards Prediction
The Wizards are going to be slightly shorthanded to kick things off as they have ruled out Bilal Coulibaly, and they are keeping an eye on Will Riley. Meanwhile, the new-look Bucks don’t have a single player listed on their injury report.
The Bucks have opened as near double-digit favorites at home on opening night, and it seems completely justified given that the Wizards look geared for just another rebuilding season. The line is a bit heftier than I would like, but I really like the new pieces the Bucks have added in the offseason, and I think they hit the ground running against this lowly Wizards squad.