Bucks Slight Favorites At Home Over Warriors

The Milwaukee Bucks (26-17 SU, 19-24 ATS) host the Golden State Warriors (30-10, 23-15-2) at Fiserv Forum on Thursday in their first meeting of the season. The Bucks have just one win in their last five outings while the Warriors have also struggled recently, going 1-3 in their last four games.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

The Bucks opened as a somewhat surprising 2-point favorite over the Warriors, who own a much better record. The total was set at 223 points with the UNDER going 5-2 in the last seven meetings in Milwaukee. Both teams are 1-4 ATS over their last five games.

Golden State News & Notes

The Warriors lost 116-108 to the Memphis Grizzlies in their last game on Tuesday as Ja Morant led all scorers with 29 points in the win. Steph Curry posted his second triple-double of the season with 27 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds, but no other player scored more than 14 points for the Warriors.

Klay Thompson played 20 minutes in his second game back after returning from an Achilles injury and scored 14 points while adding three assists and three boards. The return of the star shooting guard will give Golden State a lot more to work with offensively, especially from beyond the arc.

Draymond Green (calf) is out while Jonathan Kuminga (knee) is probable.

Milwaukee News & Notes

The Bucks dropped their second straight game to the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, losing 103-99 as LaMelo Ball dropped the game-winning shot with 15 seconds on the clock. Terry Rozier scored 27 to lead the Hornets while Khris Middleton (27 points, 11 assists) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (26 points, 13 rebounds) both posted double-doubles for the Bucks in a losing effort.

The reigning NBA champions have hit a rut, losing four of their last five games. Starting point guard Jrue Holiday has missed the last three games, forcing Middleton to occasionally play in that role. Although Middleton has scored 27 points in consecutive outings, he also committed 13 turnovers over the two meetings against the Hornets, a sign of his inexperience in the position.

Holiday (ankle) and George Hill (health and safety protocols) are doubtful while Grayson Allen (health and safety protocols) is probable.

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How Golden State Will Cover

Other than Green, Golden State should have a fully healthy lineup going into Thursday’s matchup. Though Thompson’s minutes will still be limited, he should provide a nice offensive boost. The Warriors own the NBA’s best defense and should be able to work as a unit to contain Antetokounmpo. Though they opened as the underdog, no one would be shocked if the Warriors picked up the win on the road.

How Milwaukee Will Cover

In a battle between two of the NBA’s brightest stars, Milwaukee’s fate in this game will likely depend on Antetokounmpo and his ability to outscore and outperform Curry. The Greek Freak is averaging 28.4 points per game this season (third in the NBA), though that number is way up at 32.9 over his last eight outings. Another performance of 30-plus points from Antetokounmpo would put the Bucks in a good spot to win.

Computer Pick: Bucks -2.5

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