The Phoenix Suns (20-28) will try to slow down the NBA’s top scoring team when they take on the Milwaukee Bucks (41-7) at Fiserv Forum. The game starts at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 2, 2020, and will air on Fox Sports – Arizona.
Phoenix Suns vs. Milwaukee Bucks ATS Prediction
The last time the Suns played, they were 7-point favorites and were defeated by the Oklahoma City Thunder, 111-107. The game’s combined points (218) came in under the projected point total of 228.5. Oklahoma City’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Phoenix. The Thunder had a rate of 10.1 (better than their season average of 12.0), while the Suns posted a mark of 17.6 (above their season average of 12.4). Kelly Oubre Jr. was the game’s high scorer with 27 points on 8-for-15 shooting.
The Bucks were beaten by the Denver Nuggets in their last outing, 127-115, despite being 11.5-point favorites. The game’s combined points (242) finished just over the O/U total of 241. Denver’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Milwaukee. The Nuggets had a rate of 0.590 (above their season average of 0.518), while the Bucks posted a mark of 0.516. Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo had a good game, leading both teams in scoring with 31 points on 11-for-27 shooting.
After the Suns won both contests against the Bucks last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last contest, Phoenix won 114-105. The Suns knocked down 25 of their 31 free throws (80.6 percent) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.489 vs. 0.432).
Milwaukee could dominate on the offensive side of the ball as their sweet-shooting offense squares off against one of the worst defenses in the NBA. The Bucks rank first in effective field goal percentage (0.560), while Phoenix ranks 22nd in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.537). Additionally, the Suns, who rank 23rd in offensive rebounding percentage (21.7 percent), might have a tough time getting put-back points against the Bucks, who rank first in defensive rebounding percentage (81.3 percent).
Phoenix Suns at Milwaukee Bucks Betting Pick
NBA Tip: ATS Winner – Bucks, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Phoenix is 14-8 ATS on the road with 12 unders and 10 overs.
At home, Milwaukee is 13-11 ATS with 12 overs and 12 unders.
In games where they allow less than 100 points, Milwaukee is 11-0 and Phoenix is 6-2.
The Suns are 19-23 when they reach the century mark, while the Bucks are 41-7.
Phoenix ranks fourth in three pointers allowed per game (31.5) while Milwaukee ranks last (39.0).
The Bucks rank third in blocks per game (6.3) while the Suns rank 28th (3.9).
Milwaukee ranks first in points allowed in the paint per game (38.3) while Phoenix ranks 23rd (49.8).
The Bucks rank first in rebounds per game (51.5) while the Suns rank 21st (43.6).
Phoenix averages 27.1 assists per game, which ranks second in the league. Milwaukee ranks 13th in assists allowed per game (23.9).
The Bucks rank first in second chance points allowed per game (11.2) while the Suns rank 10th (12.3).
Milwaukee ranks first in fast break points per game (18.8) while Phoenix ranks 10th (14.2).
The Suns rank fourth in points off turnovers per game (18.6) while the Bucks rank 12th (17.0).
Milwaukee averages 7.6 steals per game, which ranks 15th in the NBA. Phoenix ranks 21st in steals allowed per game (8.0).
In its last five contests, Phoenix is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Milwaukee is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over its last five games.
The Suns’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 0.2, down from 0.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bucks have scored an average of 122.0 points per game (2.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 111.2 points per game (3.6 above their season average).
