Another key matchup tonight will feature the Milwaukee Bucks squaring off against the Los Angeles Clippers. This game would normally be a great battle between two of the league’s best forwards, but Kawhi Leonard will be resting tonight. As a result, it’ll make things much tougher for the Clips.
Milwaukee Bucks (5-2) @ Los Angeles Clippers (5-2)
Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee has started to reclaim lost ground after losing two tough games during the early season. Giannis is always a major factor, but the Bucks’ success ultimately lies in how well the supporting cast plays. When they come to perform, Milwaukee is a terrifying team.
- Milwaukee has won their last 3 games in a row, bringing some momentum into tonight.
- The Bucks are 3-1 on the road this season.
- There are 4 players scoring in double digits, including Giannis (7), Middleton (19.4), Bledsoe (13.7), and Lopez (10.3).
- Antetokounmpo is building another MVP season with his averages of 7 points, 14 rebounds, 7.4 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.6 blocks on a blistering 61.2% field goal shooting.
- The Bucks are definitely one of the best offensive teams in the league, leading in both total points and field goal percentage. They average 3 points on 48.4% shooting.
- Their one weakness is their inability to force opponent turnovers. They are 3rd worst in the league at just 4 opposing turnovers per game.
- Milwaukee has covered the point spread in their last 3 games and are 5-2 on the season.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers have clearly shown that they’re a tough outing during the early stages of the season. All of this is without their second star, Paul George. Just how scary will they be at full strength? Tonight they’ll be short handed even further by missing their main star, Kawhi Leonard too.
- Los Angeles has won their last 2 games after losing to Utah.
- The Clippers are still perfect at home, sitting at 4-0 on the season.
- They rely heavily on the bench mob, as only Kawhi (3 points) is scoring in double digits from the starting lineup. There are 3 bench players scoring in double figures, including Williams (20.3), Harrell (19.3), and Green (10.3).
- Montrezl Harrell is one of the league’s best bench players, averaging 3 points and 5.9 rebounds, but on an incredible 73.6% shooting percentage.
- While LA isn’t a particularly high scoring team, they shoot the ball well and get to the free throw line a lot. They are 2nd in the league at 48% field goal shooting and 6th in free throw attempts with 7.
- The Clippers aren’t very good at sharing the ball. They are in the bottom 10 for assists at just 4 per game.
- Los Angeles has covered the point spread in their last 2 games, but are just 4-3 on the season.
Pick: Milwaukee Bucks -1.0
This game is definitely a matchup between two of the best teams in the league, but it just won’t be the same without Kawhi Leonard. To be fair, much of the Clippers power does come from their bench unit, so they are still a tough outing regardless of how many stars are playing. If they weren’t playing Giannis and the Bucks, they would be a good choice, but unfortunately they are. This is why you should lay the points tonight and bet on the Milwaukee Bucks to win.