The Milwaukee Bucks are finally starting to get healthy and they'll bring a five-game win streak into Denver on Friday to face the injury-ravaged Nuggets.
The streaking Milwaukee Bucks are headed to Denver on Friday night to face the injury-riddled Nuggets. The Bucks have won five straight games including a 114-93 dub against Detroit on Wednesday. Denver comes in on the complete opposite trajectory, dropping their last five games, capped by a 119-100 loss in Portland on Tuesday.
The Bucks opened as 3.5-point favourites on the NBA odds, although the line could shift depending on the final status of Nikola Jokic. The total is set at 214.
Bucks vs. Nuggets NBA Betting Odds
These teams split the season series and the Over/Under last year, with the road team winning each contest. Early bettors seem to be banking on Jokic not being cleared to play, as 97 per cent of action is taking Milwaukee. The total is a closer split, with about 67 per cent of bettors taking the Over.
After stumbling out of the gate to start the season, the defending NBA champion Bucks look like they’re finally clicking with five consecutive wins. They haven’t been a great cover option though, as they’re 8-11 against the spread overall and 2-5 ATS in their last seven games. The total has gone Under in five of Milwaukee’s last six games.
Not only has Denver lost their last five games outright, they didn’t manage to cover the spread in any of those losses. They’re 7-11 ATS overall, covering in half of their 10 home games. The total has gone Over in five of the Nuggets’ last six games.
Milwaukee Bucks
Outside of Giannis Antetokounmpo, most of Milwaukee’s starters have missed multiple games with injuries this year. A healthier roster is a big reason why the Bucks were able to go undefeated on their recent five-game homestand. Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday and Bobby Portis combined to score 94 of Milwaukee’s 114 points on Wednesday. The Greek Freak finished with 33 points, seven rebounds and five assists and sits third in league scoring (27.2 points per game) and fifth in rebounds (11.7). Portis has also stepped up recently. He had 28 points and 10 rebounds against Detroit for his fourth straight double-double. Donte DiVincenzo (off-season foot surgery) and Semi Ojeleye (sore calf) will both miss Friday’s game.
Denver Nuggets
There’s still no official word on Jokic’s availability for this game, but the 3.5-point spread seems to indicate oddsmakers think he’ll play. The reigning NBA MVP has missed the last three games with a wrist injury. Jokic sits tied for fourth in league scoring with 26.4 ppg and he’s second in rebounding with 13.6 boards a night. Of course the Nuggets are also still without Canadian Jamal Murray, who is expected to be out until the spring after suffering a torn ACL at the end of last season. There’s also a fear that Michael Porter Jr. will need season-ending back surgery. P.J. Dozier’s season is over after tearing his ACL on Tuesday.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Bucks vs. Nuggets?
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 26 Nov 2:59pm | MIL | -3 -111 | O +214 -110 |
| Closing 27 Nov 1:27am | MIL | -6.5 -110 | O +215.5 -110 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Bucks Team Leaders
| Points |
29.88 |
| Assists |
6.82 |
| Rebounds |
11.61 |
| FG% |
55.3 |
| Steals |
1.61 |
| Blocks |
1.36 |
| Points |
27.08 |
| Assists |
7.89 |
| Rebounds |
13.77 |
| FG% |
58.3 |
| Steals |
1.47 |
| Blocks |
0.85 |
| Points |
31.67 |
| Assists |
7 |
| Rebounds |
14.17 |
| FG% |
66.7 |
| Steals |
1.75 |
| Blocks |
1.5 |
| Points |
31 |
| Assists |
5.8 |
| Rebounds |
13.2 |
| FG% |
100 |
| Steals |
1.6 |
| Blocks |
1.2 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Nuggets Team Leaders
| Points |
29.88 |
| Assists |
6.82 |
| Rebounds |
11.61 |
| FG% |
55.3 |
| Steals |
1.61 |
| Blocks |
1.36 |
| Points |
27.08 |
| Assists |
7.89 |
| Rebounds |
13.77 |
| FG% |
58.3 |
| Steals |
1.47 |
| Blocks |
0.85 |
| Points |
31.67 |
| Assists |
7 |
| Rebounds |
14.17 |
| FG% |
66.7 |
| Steals |
1.75 |
| Blocks |
1.5 |
| Points |
31 |
| Assists |
5.8 |
| Rebounds |
13.2 |
| FG% |
100 |
| Steals |
1.6 |
| Blocks |
1.2 |
Injuries
George Hill (PG)
Serge Ibaka (PF)
Luca Vildoza (PG)
Bobby Portis (PF)
Bobby Portis (PF)
Jordan Nwora (PF)
Jrue Holiday (PG)
Serge Ibaka (PF)
Brook Lopez (C)
Bobby Portis (PF)
Austin Rivers (PG)
Austin Rivers (PG)
Facundo Campazzo (PG)
Will Barton (SG)
Aaron Gordon (PF)
Monte Morris (PG)
Jamal Murray (SG)
Rodney McGruder (SG)
Will Barton (SG)
Jeff Green (SF)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| George Hill (PG) | Prob Wed | Abdominal - 10 / 05 / 22 | 1-2 | 2-1 | + - |
|
Hill is hampered by an abdominal injury, but it is projected that he will face the Celtics on Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. |
|||||
| Serge Ibaka (PF) | Prob Wed | Illness - 09 / 05 / 22 | 1-2 | 2-2 | + - |
|
Ibaka is ailing from an illness, but it is likely that he will be available for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Celtics. |
|||||
| Luca Vildoza (PG) | Prob Wed | Illness - 24 / 04 / 22 | 5-3 | 2-7 | + - |
|
Vildoza is ailing from a non-COVID-19 illness, but it is likely that he will be available for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Bulls. |
|||||
| Bobby Portis (PF) | Prob Fri | Eye - 21 / 04 / 22 | 5-5 | 2-9 | + - |
|
Portis is dealing with a right eye abrasion, but it is projected that he will hit the court against the Bulls in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| Bobby Portis (PF) | Prob Wed | Calf - 19 / 04 / 22 | 5-5 | 2-9 | + - |
|
Portis is expected to dress for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Bulls despite a right calf contusion. |
|||||
| Jordan Nwora (PF) | Prob Wed | Back - 17 / 04 / 22 | 5-6 | 3-9 | + - |
|
Nwora is dealing with back soreness, but it is likely that he will take on the Bulls in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| Jrue Holiday (PG) | day-to-day | Rest - 10 / 04 / 22 | 6-6 | 4-9 | + - |
|
Holiday exited Sunday's game due to rest purposes, and he will not return. |
|||||
| Serge Ibaka (PF) | Prob Sun | Illness - 10 / 04 / 22 | 6-6 | 4-9 | + - |
|
Ibaka is managing a non-COVID illness, but it is projected that he will be active against the Bulls for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| Brook Lopez (C) | Out Sun | Rest - 09 / 04 / 22 | 6-6 | 4-9 | + - |
|
Lopez will not be in the starting lineup against the Cavaliers on Sunday as he will receive a day of rest. |
|||||
| Bobby Portis (PF) | Ques Sun | Shoulder - 09 / 04 / 22 | 6-6 | 4-9 | + - |
|
Portis is battling left shoulder soreness, leaving his status for Game 1 of the first round of the Eastern Conference versus the Bulls clouded. |
|||||
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin Rivers (PG) | day-to-day | Hamstring - 27 / 04 / 22 | 1-0 | 1-0 | + - |
|
Rivers exited Wednesday's game with right hamstring tightness, and it is unknown if he will return. |
|||||
| Austin Rivers (PG) | Ques Thurs | Back - 19 / 04 / 22 | 1-3 | 4-0 | + - |
|
Rivers is battling lower-back pain, and it is uncertain if he will play in Game 3 of the Western Conference first round versus the Warriors. |
|||||
| Facundo Campazzo (PG) | Elig Mon | Suspension - 13 / 04 / 22 | 1-4 | 5-0 | + - |
|
Campazzo has been given a one-game suspension for a forceful shoving, and he is not eligible to suit up until Game 2 of the Western Conference first round versus the Warriors. |
|||||
| Will Barton (SG) | Ques Sat | Knee - 09 / 04 / 22 | 2-4 | 5-1 | + - |
|
Barton is dealing with right knee soreness, and it is unclear if he will suit up for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round against the Warriors. |
|||||
| Aaron Gordon (PF) | Prob Sat | Hamstring - 09 / 04 / 22 | 2-4 | 5-1 | + - |
|
Gordon is nursing a left hamstring issue, but it is projected that he will be available for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Warriors. |
|||||
| Monte Morris (PG) | Ques Sat | Elbow - 09 / 04 / 22 | 2-4 | 5-1 | + - |
|
Morris is hampered by left elbow soreness, and it remains to be seen if he will be active for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round against the Warriors. |
|||||
| Jamal Murray (SG) | out for season | Knee - 08 / 04 / 22 | 2-5 | 5-2 | + - |
|
Murray is likely to miss the rest of the 2021-22 season after having a left ACL surgery. |
|||||
| Rodney McGruder (SG) | Prob Fri | Hip - 06 / 04 / 22 | 3-5 | 6-2 | + - |
|
McGruder sat out the last contest due to a left hip strain, but it is projected that he will face the Bucks on Friday. |
|||||
| Will Barton (SG) | Prob Sun | Knee - 03 / 04 / 22 | 3-6 | 7-2 | + - |
|
Barton is bothered by right knee soreness, but it is anticipated that he will lace up for Sunday's tilt versus the Lakers. |
|||||
| Jeff Green (SF) | Ques Thurs | Personal - 02 / 04 / 22 | 3-7 | 8-2 | + - |
|
Green has missed the last two contests due to a personal issue, and it is unclear if he will face the Grizzlies on Thursday. |
|||||
-
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 26 Nov 2:59pm MIL -3 -111 O +214 -110 Closing 27 Nov 1:27am MIL -6.5 -110 O +215.5 -110 -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Bucks Team Leaders
Points 29.88
Assists 6.82
Rebounds 11.61
FG% 55.3
Steals 1.61
Blocks 1.36
Points 27.08
Assists 7.89
Rebounds 13.77
FG% 58.3
Steals 1.47
Blocks 0.85
Points 31.67
Assists 7
Rebounds 14.17
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.75
Blocks 1.5
Points 31
Assists 5.8
Rebounds 13.2
FG% 100
Steals 1.6
Blocks 1.2
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Nuggets Team Leaders
Points 29.88
Assists 6.82
Rebounds 11.61
FG% 55.3
Steals 1.61
Blocks 1.36
Points 27.08
Assists 7.89
Rebounds 13.77
FG% 58.3
Steals 1.47
Blocks 0.85
Points 31.67
Assists 7
Rebounds 14.17
FG% 66.7
Steals 1.75
Blocks 1.5
Points 31
Assists 5.8
Rebounds 13.2
FG% 100
Steals 1.6
Blocks 1.2
-
Injuries
George Hill (PG)
Prob Wed Abdominal - 10 / 05 / 22Serge Ibaka (PF)
Prob Wed Illness - 09 / 05 / 22Luca Vildoza (PG)
Prob Wed Illness - 24 / 04 / 22Bobby Portis (PF)
Prob Fri Eye - 21 / 04 / 22Bobby Portis (PF)
Prob Wed Calf - 19 / 04 / 22Jordan Nwora (PF)
Prob Wed Back - 17 / 04 / 22Jrue Holiday (PG)
day-to-day Rest - 10 / 04 / 22Serge Ibaka (PF)
Prob Sun Illness - 10 / 04 / 22Brook Lopez (C)
Out Sun Rest - 09 / 04 / 22Bobby Portis (PF)
Ques Sun Shoulder - 09 / 04 / 22Austin Rivers (PG)
day-to-day Hamstring - 27 / 04 / 22Austin Rivers (PG)
Ques Thurs Back - 19 / 04 / 22Facundo Campazzo (PG)
Elig Mon Suspension - 13 / 04 / 22Will Barton (SG)
Ques Sat Knee - 09 / 04 / 22Aaron Gordon (PF)
Prob Sat Hamstring - 09 / 04 / 22Monte Morris (PG)
Ques Sat Elbow - 09 / 04 / 22Jamal Murray (SG)
out for season Knee - 08 / 04 / 22Rodney McGruder (SG)
Prob Fri Hip - 06 / 04 / 22Will Barton (SG)
Prob Sun Knee - 03 / 04 / 22Jeff Green (SF)
Ques Thurs Personal - 02 / 04 / 22Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes George Hill (PG) Prob Wed Abdominal - 10 / 05 / 22 1-2 2-1 + - Hill is hampered by an abdominal injury, but it is projected that he will face the Celtics on Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Serge Ibaka (PF) Prob Wed Illness - 09 / 05 / 22 1-2 2-2 + - Ibaka is ailing from an illness, but it is likely that he will be available for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Celtics.
Luca Vildoza (PG) Prob Wed Illness - 24 / 04 / 22 5-3 2-7 + - Vildoza is ailing from a non-COVID-19 illness, but it is likely that he will be available for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Bulls.
Bobby Portis (PF) Prob Fri Eye - 21 / 04 / 22 5-5 2-9 + - Portis is dealing with a right eye abrasion, but it is projected that he will hit the court against the Bulls in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Bobby Portis (PF) Prob Wed Calf - 19 / 04 / 22 5-5 2-9 + - Portis is expected to dress for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Bulls despite a right calf contusion.
Jordan Nwora (PF) Prob Wed Back - 17 / 04 / 22 5-6 3-9 + - Nwora is dealing with back soreness, but it is likely that he will take on the Bulls in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Jrue Holiday (PG) day-to-day Rest - 10 / 04 / 22 6-6 4-9 + - Holiday exited Sunday's game due to rest purposes, and he will not return.
Serge Ibaka (PF) Prob Sun Illness - 10 / 04 / 22 6-6 4-9 + - Ibaka is managing a non-COVID illness, but it is projected that he will be active against the Bulls for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Brook Lopez (C) Out Sun Rest - 09 / 04 / 22 6-6 4-9 + - Lopez will not be in the starting lineup against the Cavaliers on Sunday as he will receive a day of rest.
Bobby Portis (PF) Ques Sun Shoulder - 09 / 04 / 22 6-6 4-9 + - Portis is battling left shoulder soreness, leaving his status for Game 1 of the first round of the Eastern Conference versus the Bulls clouded.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Austin Rivers (PG) day-to-day Hamstring - 27 / 04 / 22 1-0 1-0 + - Rivers exited Wednesday's game with right hamstring tightness, and it is unknown if he will return.
Austin Rivers (PG) Ques Thurs Back - 19 / 04 / 22 1-3 4-0 + - Rivers is battling lower-back pain, and it is uncertain if he will play in Game 3 of the Western Conference first round versus the Warriors.
Facundo Campazzo (PG) Elig Mon Suspension - 13 / 04 / 22 1-4 5-0 + - Campazzo has been given a one-game suspension for a forceful shoving, and he is not eligible to suit up until Game 2 of the Western Conference first round versus the Warriors.
Will Barton (SG) Ques Sat Knee - 09 / 04 / 22 2-4 5-1 + - Barton is dealing with right knee soreness, and it is unclear if he will suit up for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round against the Warriors.
Aaron Gordon (PF) Prob Sat Hamstring - 09 / 04 / 22 2-4 5-1 + - Gordon is nursing a left hamstring issue, but it is projected that he will be available for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Warriors.
Monte Morris (PG) Ques Sat Elbow - 09 / 04 / 22 2-4 5-1 + - Morris is hampered by left elbow soreness, and it remains to be seen if he will be active for Game 1 of the Western Conference first round against the Warriors.
Jamal Murray (SG) out for season Knee - 08 / 04 / 22 2-5 5-2 + - Murray is likely to miss the rest of the 2021-22 season after having a left ACL surgery.
Rodney McGruder (SG) Prob Fri Hip - 06 / 04 / 22 3-5 6-2 + - McGruder sat out the last contest due to a left hip strain, but it is projected that he will face the Bucks on Friday.
Will Barton (SG) Prob Sun Knee - 03 / 04 / 22 3-6 7-2 + - Barton is bothered by right knee soreness, but it is anticipated that he will lace up for Sunday's tilt versus the Lakers.
Jeff Green (SF) Ques Thurs Personal - 02 / 04 / 22 3-7 8-2 + - Green has missed the last two contests due to a personal issue, and it is unclear if he will face the Grizzlies on Thursday.