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Free NBA Picks Milwaukee Bucks: Season-Long Handicapping and Specialization 1/3/2023

by Spencer Toth - 1/3/2023

Milwaukee Bucks daily betting predictions Jrue Holiday

This season, I will be breaking down every Milwaukee Bucks game and giving out my best bets for the contest. While we may not always favor the Bucks, the goal is to remain in the green by the season's end.

Doc’s Sports offers NBA expert picks for every game on our NBA predictions page.

On Friday night, the Bucks took down the Timberwolves 123-114, led by who else, Giannis Antetokounmpo. The ‘Greek Freak’ put up 43 points to go along with 20 rebounds and was effective on both ends of the court. Jrue Holiday and George Hill were both out with illnesses, while Middleton remains out with various ailments, so it was nice to see Antetokounmpo get the job done on his own. Bobby Portis chipped in with 22 points, but this team clearly belongs to Antetokounmpo.

From a betting standpoint, we went 0-1. The total finished well over the 227.5 mark set by the bookies, while Rudy Gobert was ruled out late with an injury. Losing our only bet of the night is never fun, but we have a solid slate on tap for tonight.

Most recently, the Bucks lost to the Wizards 118-95 Sunday night, but looked like a different squad since they were missing their ‘Big 3’ of Holiday, Middleton and Antetokounmpo.

Tonight, the Bucks (23-13) once again welcome the Wizards (17-21) to Milwaukee, with vengeance on their mind. Just a few weeks ago, the Bucks were sitting atop the Eastern Conference standings but have since gone through a rough patch. They’ve won just 4 of their last 11 games, pushing them down to third. The health issues remain for Middleton, but an otherwise healthy lineup has no excuses for some of the losses along the way. The Wizards are certainly worse than a full strength, in form Bucks team, but Milwaukee is far from that at the moment.

The Wizards were able to push their win streak to 5 games on Sunday and will be looking to keep up their newfound momentum against the Bucks again. After a slow start out of the gate, the Wizards find themselves occupying the final play-in spot and will feel confident they have what it takes to make the playoffs. Going to Milwaukee and winning back to back games would be quite a feat, and they could be getting Bradley Beal back into the lineup. Beal has been the best player for Washington, averaging 23.5 PPG on 52.7% from the floor, but the Wizards have some of the best scoring depth in the league. Beal, Kristaps Porzingis, and Kyle Kuzma are all averaging over 21 PPG, giving the Wizards the stability they have been craving over the last few seasons. Beal uses his ball handling and good shot selection to remain the star point guard of the team, leaving Porzingis to roam around inside.

Porzingis has nothing special about him, but he has no real holes either. He has remained extremely consistent, scoring between 19-23 PPG in each of the last 6 seasons, but has had injuries ruin what could’ve been a solid career. He is clearly a valuable member of the Wizards team, but he has played only 94 games in the last 3 seasons combined. His health has remained steady this season, and he will need to step up once again if the Wizards are to stand a chance against the formidable Bucks.

This Bucks team continues to baffle me. Antetokounmpo remains a pillar of strength, but the rest of the starters just can’t seem to put it all together at the same time. Holiday got off to a fantastic start to the season on the offensive end but has been slowing in the month of December. His defensive prowess has kept him in the starting lineup. However, with several question marks still surrounding Middleton, his offensive contributions are dearly missed. Brook Lopez got off to a slow start but has been dialing it up in December, putting up 13+ points in 7 straight games to finish off the month. Middleton just can’t stay healthy. And even when he made his return from a lengthy knee injury, he was a shadow of his former self. Antetokounmpo is an absolute beast, but he can’t do it alone every night and will need help if the Bucks are to remain a league powerhouse.

I cannot believe the Bucks will lose back-to-back games against the Wizards, although I was also shocked to see the Celtics lose back-to-back home games against the Magic a couple weeks ago. The NBA continues to find a way to deliver parity, despite the star players taking over the games, and this is a perfect example. The Wizards have an opportunity to upset the Bucks again, but I just can’t be convinced. I know the price tag is hefty, but I’ll be taking the Bucks Moneyline at -300 odds for 3 Units. The Bucks have the advantage inside, as Antetokounmpo, Portis, and Lopez should have no problem bullying Porzingis and whichever other mid-tier talent they choose to throw in the game. The Wizards shot 64% from 2-point range in their prior meeting and rode hot hands to victory. Tonight, the Bucks defense will flex their muscles in front of the Milwaukee faithful and deliver a much needed victory.

The second bet for tonight is Jrue Holiday Over 19.5 points for 1 Unit. Holiday has been sick for over a week and hasn’t played since Christmas of last year. He will be eager to get back into action and should have no minute limitations tonight. Early in the season, he was effective on the offensive end, routinely eclipsing this prop, and I expect him to do it once again tonight.

Pick: Milwaukee Bucks Moneyline -300 3 Units

Pick: Jrue Holiday Over 19.5 Points 1 Units

2022 Season record:

ML Record: 5-5

Spread Record: 5-7

Total Record: 4-7

Player Props Record: 12-9

Total: 26-30

Down 1.2 Units ($120)

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