The Milwaukee Bucks were able to get back on track following a two-game losing streak by taking out the Atlanta Hawks on the road Saturday night, 122-113. Milwaukee wraps up a three-game road trip Tuesday night in our nation’s capital as a monster favorite against the lowly Wizards.
Washington has all eyes on the draft after long being eliminated from playoff contention. The Wizards have just a one-game lead over Detroit for the dubious honor of having the NBA’s worst record. Washington reeled off three consecutive wins entering last week, but have dropped three straight since after Sunday’s 119-107 shortcoming against the Heat.
Here’s the breakdown of the matchup.
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Bucks vs. Wizards odds, spread and total
Bucks vs. Wizards betting preview
Both teams are in familiar spots heading into this matchup with Milwaukee laying a big number and Washington getting a large head start.
Washington has gone just 11-19 ATS as a home underdog this season but put up a fight in two high-scoring losses to Milwaukee way back in November. Both teams have changed since with the Wizards sliding toward the basement of the Eastern Conference and Milwaukee switching head coaches.
Milwaukee is led by its defense that has crept into the top half of the NBA in net rating (No. 14) while dominating the glass. Washington likes to play fast (No. 1 in the NBA in pace) but will face a Milwaukee defense that travels well (the under is 21-15 in Bucks’ road games this season).
You worry about motivation when playoff-bound teams are nearing the end of the regular season and laying a big number with little to play for (see Boston vs. Charlotte on Monday night). That shouldn’t be the case with Milwaukee, which is trying to hold its 2.5-game lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers and 3-game lead over the New York Knicks for the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference with eight games left in the regular season.
Bucks vs. Wizards final score prediction
With three straight games against teams eliminated from playoff contention (Washington, Memphis and Toronto), Milwaukee can stake its claim to the No. 2 seed in the conference with a strong stretch. The Bucks finish the regular season with five straight contests against playoff clubs.
Milwaukee might be wrapping up a three-game road trip, but they also have the rest advantage after playing on Saturday. The Bucks’ intensity on defense should shine against a Washington offense that will be without leading scorer Kyle Kuzma Tuesday night.
Milwaukee is top-10 in the NBA in fast-break points allowed and should use its rebounding prowess (No. 3 in defensive boards) to slow down a shorthanded Washington offense that is 21st in effective field goal percentage.
Final score prediction: Bucks 119, Wizards 104
Game odds update periodically and are subject to change.