The Washington Wizards have maintained a good 6-3 start to the season, but are now set to face the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks, who are having a rough start at 4-5?
Catch this game live on November 8, at 7:00 AM, Manila time.
Away: Milwaukee Bucks (4-5, 3-1 Away)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Jrue Holiday
- SG: Grayson Allen (day-to-day)
- SF: Pat Connaughton
- PF: Thanasis Antetokounmpo / Giannis Antetokounmpo
- C: Giannis Antetokounmpo / Bobby Portis
The Bucks are having a rough start, especially with the absence of Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez, plus Jrue Holiday still recovering from an injury (he played 20 minutes in the last game).
It looks like Jrue Holiday might be able to start this game, and he’s going to have the unenviable task of defending both Spencer Dinwiddie and Bradley Beal. Lopez’s absence also hurts as they lose a valuable floor spacer and rebounder, and there’s no need to explain why Middleton’s absence hurts Milwaukee.
Their weakened lineup was out-rebounded 59-37 by the Knicks in their previous game, and that’s going to be a key metric to follow in the clash against the Wizards.
Giannis Antetokounmpo will continue to bully his way into the bucket, but he may not be able to carry the Bucks alone if Holiday doesn’t have a big game. Still, they’re favored in the matchup.
The Bucks are 6-4 in their last 10 games as a road favorite, and an even 5-5 ATS. They’re also an even 5-5 on the over/under in that span.
Home: Washington Wizards (6-3, 4-1 Home)
Projected Starting Five:
- PG: Spencer Dinwiddie
- SG: Bradley Beal
- SF: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
- PF: Kyle Kuzma
- C: Daniel Gafford
The Washington Wizards have started well, especially at home where they sport a 4-1 record so far this season. Their last game at home, against the Memphis Grizzlies, was an absolute blowout that ended 115-87. They spread the wealth in that game, with 34 assists on 49 made baskets, and seven players scored in double figures. They were led by Montrezl Harrell, who came off the bench for 18 points and 8 rebounds.
Harrell may be the key man in the upcoming game against the Bucks, because his endless hustle could cause the short-handed Bucks problems. The balanced attack that the Wizards are capable of could also be a determining factor, as Harrell, Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Spencer Dinwiddie have all had games with 20 or more points this season to complement Bradley Beal.
The Wizards are 7-3 straight up in their last 10 games as road underdogs, 7-3 ATS and have split the over/under at 5-5.
PREDICTION:
Spread: Washington are coming into their own with their re-tooled roster, and even with Milwaukee posing a big challenge, I think they Wizards are good to cover +3.5.
Over/Under: I think that the over 222 is good for this game.