NBA: Washington Wizards vs. Milwaukee Bucks Preview, Odds, Prediction

The Washington Wizards are on fire as they prepare for the clash against the Milwaukee Bucks for the second time in the past three days. The team from DC has been performing more than well over the past two weeks, and if they continue to do so, we might see them in the playoffs. As for the Bucks, one of the top contenders for the NBA title this year, are currently in problems, some would even say a minor crisis. This is their third in a row at home, and a win is mandatory, particularly following the last loss.

Besides this event, there is a preview and picks for the Kings vs. Jazz clash.

Preview

Washington Wizards (17-21, +280) have been fantastic. And just a few expected to see them in this shape now. Washington won the past five games, the majority of them against the teams who are in the playoff zone. It started on the road in Sacramento, then at home against the 76ers and the Suns, before winning in Orlando and Milwaukee a few nights ago, 118-95.

Rui Hachimura has been excellent in the past six game played, averaging 19 points in each, with a shooting percentage of 60.8%. He isn’t a starter, but coming off a bench, bringing in energy and more solutions on the offensive side of the court.

The Wizards played the last couple of events without Bradley Beal, who is the top scorer of the unit with 23.5 points and who also plays 34.5 minutes. Though the Wizs have Porzingis with 22.2 and Kuzma with 21.4 buckets, the most constant player in the team missed a single game this year.

Milwaukee Bucks (23-13, -350) didn’t have any of their three All-Stars in the previous event – Giannis, Middleton, and Holiday. That’s why we saw them struggling and losing at Fiserv, which has been a rare thing this year, with their current record here 15-4. Over the years, the Forum has become one of the strongholds and taking a win here is very, very tough.

Mike Budenholzer’s crew was shooting 13 for 49 for three, only 26.5%, and had 44 boards, 12 fewer than the rivals from DC, which was one of the reasons for this defeat. In general, the hosts were shooting pretty badly, 34 for 96 or 35.4%.

Bobby Portis had a team-high with 19 points and 10 boards, while Jevon Carter scored 14. The “hated” Grayson Allen ended the night with 13 points, eight assists and five boards.

Head to Head Games

The loss from a few nights ago was 118-95, and that game was the only one this year. During the previous campaign, these two units met on three occasions. After Washington’s opening win at home, 101-94, the Bucks triumphed in back-to-back events at Fiserv, 112-98 and 114-102.

Prediction

According to the latest intel from the Bucks ‘ locker room, Giannis and Holiday should be back. With the two, this team is a completely different thing compared to the one from two nights ago, and that’s why we pick the Bucks’ win here. Yes, the Wizards are good, and they did beat big names down the stretch, but Budenholzer had a perfect chance to scan them and adapt the game plan, while, in the meantime getting back his two top players.

Pick: Milwaukee Bucks Win -350