The NBA’s best team hosts the league’s best spread bet when the Oklahoma City Thunder visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night. OKC is covering the spread at a nearly 80 percent clip in its away games this season and the books list the Bucks as double-digit home favourites.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Thunder roll into Wisconsin after they picked up a 112-108 home win over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night. The club is unbeaten in its last five and holds an 8-2 straight up record over its last 10 games.
OKC remains the best team against the spread (ATS) in the Association despite failing to cover the spread in each of its last two contests. The Thunder are 38-21 against the number in all games and 21-6 ATS on the road this campaign.
There are more trends too for OKC backers to feel confident about their team’s chances on Friday. The Thunder are 9-0 ATS in their last nine games playing on the second night of a back-to-back and they’re 20-9 ATS in their last 29 games overall.
Milwaukee hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down since returning from the All-Star break. The Bucks picked up wins and covers against East rivals Toronto and Philadelphia in the last week and they are 18-2 straight up in their last 20 games.
The squad is on pace to win 71 games this season – a feat that has only been accomplished twice before in the history of the NBA. The Bucks are the odds-on favourite to win the NBA championship according to Sports Interaction. The online book lists Milwaukee at +225 to win the title. The Los Angeles Lakers are the next closest at +290.
Oklahoma City Thunder
How close to OKC general manager Sam Presti come to trading Danilo Gallinari at this season’s trade deadline? The Thunder sent a clear signal to the rest of the league they had their sights set on the playoffs when they kept the sweet-shooting Italian.
Gallinari is second on the team in scoring at 19.3 points per game and he’s led his club in scoring in each of the last two games. Even better, he’s on pace to play 70 games this season – something he’s only accomplished twice before in his 12-year NBA career.
Milwaukee Bucks
Eric Bledsoe is one of the many Milwaukee players enjoying strong seasons. The veteran point guard is averaging 15.8 points, 5.5 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game – numbers that are nearly identical to a year ago.
Of course, the big question for Bucks fans is whether the level of production will maintain in the playoffs. Bledsoe was played off the court in the Eastern Conference finals against the Raptors a year ago.
Who Will Win Thunder vs. Bucks?
Line History
No odds are available yet.
Injuries
Deonte Burton (PG)
Steven Adams (C)
Abdel Nader (SF)
Luguentz Dort (SG)
Danilo Gallinari (SF)
Nerlens Noel (C)
Andre Roberson (SG)
Steven Adams (C)
Terrance Ferguson (SG)
Mike Muscala (PF)
Eric Bledsoe (PG)
George Hill (PG)
George Hill (PG)
George Hill (PG)
Ersan Ilyasova (PF)
Eric Bledsoe (PG)
Donte DiVincenzo (SG)
Wesley Matthews (SG)
Brook Lopez (C)
Wesley Matthews (SG)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deonte Burton (PG) | Ques Wed | Illness - 24 / 08 / 20 | 3-1 | 2-2 | + - |
|
Burton is ailing from a stomach illness, and it is unclear if he will fight it off in time for Game 7 of the Western Conference first round against the Rockets. |
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| Steven Adams (C) | Prob Mon | Knee - 22 / 08 / 20 | 3-2 | 2-3 | + - |
|
Adams has a bruised right knee but is expected to be available for Game 4 of the Western Conference first round versus the Rockets. |
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| Abdel Nader (SF) | Prob Tues | Neck - 16 / 08 / 20 | 3-4 | 3-4 | + - |
|
Nader is battling a neck injury, but it is expected that he will play versus the Rockets in Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Rockets. |
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| Luguentz Dort (SG) | Prob Thurs | Knee - 12 / 08 / 20 | 4-5 | 5-4 | + - |
|
Dort suffered a right knee sprain, but it is anticipated that he will participate in Game 2 of the Western Conference first round against the Rockets. |
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| Danilo Gallinari (SF) | Prob Wed | Ankle - 10 / 08 / 20 | 5-5 | 6-4 | + - |
|
Gallinari was absent from the lineup during the last game due to a left ankle injury, but it is expected that he will be in Wednesday's lineup against the Heat. |
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| Nerlens Noel (C) | Prob Wed | Ankle - 09 / 08 / 20 | 5-6 | 6-5 | + - |
|
Noel missed his second straight game with a sore right ankle, but he is projected to be active against the Heat on Wednesday. |
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| Andre Roberson (SG) | Ques Mon | Foot - 09 / 08 / 20 | 5-6 | 6-5 | + - |
|
Roberson sat out the previous game due to a sore right foot, and it has yet to be established if he will face the Suns on Monday. |
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| Steven Adams (C) | Prob Wed | Leg - 07 / 08 / 20 | 6-6 | 6-6 | + - |
|
Adams has sat out the past three games with a left lower-leg contusion, but it is anticipated that he will return to action Wednesday versus the Heat. |
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| Terrance Ferguson (SG) | Ques Fri | Leg - 03 / 08 / 20 | 7-7 | 7-7 | + - |
|
Ferguson has been absent from the lineup during the previous two games due to a right lower-leg contusion, and it is uncertain if it will interfere with his status for Friday's matchup with the Grizzlies. |
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| Mike Muscala (PF) | Prob Sun | Concussion - 03 / 08 / 20 | 7-7 | 7-7 | + - |
|
Muscala has cleared the league's concussion protocol, and will likely make his return to the lineup Sunday against the Wizards. |
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| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eric Bledsoe (PG) | Prob Wed | Hamstring - 30 / 08 / 20 | 1-3 | 2-3 | + - |
|
Bledsoe has a strained right hamstring, but he is expected to play in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference second round versus the Heat. |
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| George Hill (PG) | Prob Mon | Finger - 30 / 08 / 20 | 1-3 | 2-3 | + - |
|
Hill is likely to take on the Heat in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference second round despite a finger injury. |
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| George Hill (PG) | Prob Mon | Hamstring - 24 / 08 / 20 | 3-3 | 4-3 | + - |
|
Hill is managing a left hamstring injury but is likely to be available for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Magic. |
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| George Hill (PG) | Out Thurs | Rest - 13 / 08 / 20 | 5-5 | 6-5 | + - |
|
Hill will receive a day of rest and will not be available against the Grizzlies on Thursday. |
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| Ersan Ilyasova (PF) | Ques Sat | Elbow - 12 / 08 / 20 | 5-6 | 6-6 | + - |
|
Ilyasova is nursing a right elbow sprain, and it is uncertain if it will interfere with his status against the Magic in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| Eric Bledsoe (PG) | Prob Thurs | Knee - 11 / 08 / 20 | 5-6 | 6-6 | + - |
|
Bledsoe sat out the last game with a right knee soreness, but he is likely to be active for Thursday's battle with the Grizzlies. |
|||||
| Donte DiVincenzo (SG) | Prob Thurs | Elbow - 11 / 08 / 20 | 5-6 | 6-6 | + - |
|
DiVincenzo missed the previous game due to a right elbow contusion, but it is anticipated that he will face the Grizzlies on Thursday. |
|||||
| Wesley Matthews (SG) | Prob Tues | Groin - 11 / 08 / 20 | 5-6 | 6-6 | + - |
|
Matthews has a sore right adductor, but he is likely to take the court in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Magic. |
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| Brook Lopez (C) | Out Tues | Rest - 04 / 08 / 20 | 6-9 | 9-7 | + - |
|
Lopez will receive a day of rest and will not suit up against the Nets on Tuesday. |
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| Wesley Matthews (SG) | Ques Thurs | Calf - 03 / 08 / 20 | 7-9 | 10-7 | + - |
|
Matthews missed the last game battling soreness in his right calf, and it is unknown if he will be in Thursday's lineup against the Heat. |
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Line History
No odds are available yet.
-
Injuries
Deonte Burton (PG)
Ques Wed Illness - 24 / 08 / 20Steven Adams (C)
Prob Mon Knee - 22 / 08 / 20Abdel Nader (SF)
Prob Tues Neck - 16 / 08 / 20Luguentz Dort (SG)
Prob Thurs Knee - 12 / 08 / 20Danilo Gallinari (SF)
Prob Wed Ankle - 10 / 08 / 20Nerlens Noel (C)
Prob Wed Ankle - 09 / 08 / 20Andre Roberson (SG)
Ques Mon Foot - 09 / 08 / 20Steven Adams (C)
Prob Wed Leg - 07 / 08 / 20Terrance Ferguson (SG)
Ques Fri Leg - 03 / 08 / 20Mike Muscala (PF)
Prob Sun Concussion - 03 / 08 / 20Eric Bledsoe (PG)
Prob Wed Hamstring - 30 / 08 / 20George Hill (PG)
Prob Mon Finger - 30 / 08 / 20George Hill (PG)
Prob Mon Hamstring - 24 / 08 / 20George Hill (PG)
Out Thurs Rest - 13 / 08 / 20Ersan Ilyasova (PF)
Ques Sat Elbow - 12 / 08 / 20Eric Bledsoe (PG)
Prob Thurs Knee - 11 / 08 / 20Donte DiVincenzo (SG)
Prob Thurs Elbow - 11 / 08 / 20Wesley Matthews (SG)
Prob Tues Groin - 11 / 08 / 20Brook Lopez (C)
Out Tues Rest - 04 / 08 / 20Wesley Matthews (SG)
Ques Thurs Calf - 03 / 08 / 20Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Deonte Burton (PG) Ques Wed Illness - 24 / 08 / 20 3-1 2-2 + - Burton is ailing from a stomach illness, and it is unclear if he will fight it off in time for Game 7 of the Western Conference first round against the Rockets.
Steven Adams (C) Prob Mon Knee - 22 / 08 / 20 3-2 2-3 + - Adams has a bruised right knee but is expected to be available for Game 4 of the Western Conference first round versus the Rockets.
Abdel Nader (SF) Prob Tues Neck - 16 / 08 / 20 3-4 3-4 + - Nader is battling a neck injury, but it is expected that he will play versus the Rockets in Game 1 of the Western Conference first round versus the Rockets.
Luguentz Dort (SG) Prob Thurs Knee - 12 / 08 / 20 4-5 5-4 + - Dort suffered a right knee sprain, but it is anticipated that he will participate in Game 2 of the Western Conference first round against the Rockets.
Danilo Gallinari (SF) Prob Wed Ankle - 10 / 08 / 20 5-5 6-4 + - Gallinari was absent from the lineup during the last game due to a left ankle injury, but it is expected that he will be in Wednesday's lineup against the Heat.
Nerlens Noel (C) Prob Wed Ankle - 09 / 08 / 20 5-6 6-5 + - Noel missed his second straight game with a sore right ankle, but he is projected to be active against the Heat on Wednesday.
Andre Roberson (SG) Ques Mon Foot - 09 / 08 / 20 5-6 6-5 + - Roberson sat out the previous game due to a sore right foot, and it has yet to be established if he will face the Suns on Monday.
Steven Adams (C) Prob Wed Leg - 07 / 08 / 20 6-6 6-6 + - Adams has sat out the past three games with a left lower-leg contusion, but it is anticipated that he will return to action Wednesday versus the Heat.
Terrance Ferguson (SG) Ques Fri Leg - 03 / 08 / 20 7-7 7-7 + - Ferguson has been absent from the lineup during the previous two games due to a right lower-leg contusion, and it is uncertain if it will interfere with his status for Friday's matchup with the Grizzlies.
Mike Muscala (PF) Prob Sun Concussion - 03 / 08 / 20 7-7 7-7 + - Muscala has cleared the league's concussion protocol, and will likely make his return to the lineup Sunday against the Wizards.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Eric Bledsoe (PG) Prob Wed Hamstring - 30 / 08 / 20 1-3 2-3 + - Bledsoe has a strained right hamstring, but he is expected to play in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference second round versus the Heat.
George Hill (PG) Prob Mon Finger - 30 / 08 / 20 1-3 2-3 + - Hill is likely to take on the Heat in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference second round despite a finger injury.
George Hill (PG) Prob Mon Hamstring - 24 / 08 / 20 3-3 4-3 + - Hill is managing a left hamstring injury but is likely to be available for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Magic.
George Hill (PG) Out Thurs Rest - 13 / 08 / 20 5-5 6-5 + - Hill will receive a day of rest and will not be available against the Grizzlies on Thursday.
Ersan Ilyasova (PF) Ques Sat Elbow - 12 / 08 / 20 5-6 6-6 + - Ilyasova is nursing a right elbow sprain, and it is uncertain if it will interfere with his status against the Magic in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Eric Bledsoe (PG) Prob Thurs Knee - 11 / 08 / 20 5-6 6-6 + - Bledsoe sat out the last game with a right knee soreness, but he is likely to be active for Thursday's battle with the Grizzlies.
Donte DiVincenzo (SG) Prob Thurs Elbow - 11 / 08 / 20 5-6 6-6 + - DiVincenzo missed the previous game due to a right elbow contusion, but it is anticipated that he will face the Grizzlies on Thursday.
Wesley Matthews (SG) Prob Tues Groin - 11 / 08 / 20 5-6 6-6 + - Matthews has a sore right adductor, but he is likely to take the court in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the Magic.
Brook Lopez (C) Out Tues Rest - 04 / 08 / 20 6-9 9-7 + - Lopez will receive a day of rest and will not suit up against the Nets on Tuesday.
Wesley Matthews (SG) Ques Thurs Calf - 03 / 08 / 20 7-9 10-7 + - Matthews missed the last game battling soreness in his right calf, and it is unknown if he will be in Thursday's lineup against the Heat.