Washington Wizards (4-21) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (15-11)
December 21, 2024 8:00 pm EDT
The Line: Milwaukee Bucks -11.5; Over/Under: +227.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Washington Wizards and the Milwaukee Bucks collide at the Fiserv Forum on Saturday night. Here’s a Milwaukee Bucks vs Washington Wizards Prediction. This article will include a Milwaukee Bucks vs Washington Wizards Pick.
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards have been the worst team in the league as they’ve lost 21 of their first 25 games, but they will be feeling pretty relieved after taking down the Hornets in a 123-114 home win on Thursday. Jordan Poole drained five 3-pointers to lead the team with 27 points, Alexandre Sarr added 19 points with nine rebounds and five assists while Malcolm Brogdon chipped in with 25 points and six assists off the bench.
As a team, the Wizards shot 49 percent from the field and 17 of 42 from the 3-point line as they withstood an early barrage from the Hornets’ LaMelo Ball before they finished strong and poured in 36 points in the fourth quarter to escape with the much-needed win in front of their home fans.
Milwaukee Bucks
Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks have been on a roll as they’ve won 11 of their last 14 games overall, but they will be hoping to bounce back after having their four-game win streak snapped by the Cavaliers in a 124-101 road defeat last night. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the team with 33 points and 14 rebounds, Khris Middleton added 14 points while Brook Lopez chipped in with 10 points but no other player finished in double figures in scoring.
As a team, the Bucks shot 47 percent from the field and 10 of 27 from the 3-point line as they came out flat and never looked like they were in the contest after falling behind by 69-51 heading into halftime. The Bucks trailed in this one by as many as 36 points before they went on a late run to keep the final scores somewhat respectable. The Bucks will face the Bulls following this one.
Why the Milwaukee Bucks will win
- The Wizards have lost each of their last 10 road games.
- The Bucks have won each of their last 11 Saturday night games against teams that held a losing record.
- The Wizards have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games against Central Division opponents after winning as underdogs.
- The Bucks have covered the spread in each of their last three games as favorites against Southeast Division opponents following a loss.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Bucks’ last seven games at Fiserv Forum following a road loss has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Wizards’ last five road games following a home win has gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Bucks rank 30th in the league for offensive rebounds per game this season (8.1).
- The Bucks rank 1st in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (4.0).
- The Wizards rank 30th in the league for opponent points per game this season (122.6).
- The Wizards rank 30th in the league for point differential per game this season (-14.8).
Milwaukee Bucks vs Washington Wizards Prediction
The Wizards are still shorthanded with Saddiq Bey and Kyle Kuzma still out, while the Bucks are still missing Damian Lillard due to a right calf strain. The Wizards were absolutely ice-cold before they pulled off the upset win over the slumping Hornets in their last outing, while the Bucks were on a tear before they fell to the league-leading Cavaliers last night. The line was always going to be hefty for this matchup, but I still think the Bucks win this one with ease despite playing their second game of a back-to-back set.
