The Milwaukee Bucks (34-17 SU, 27-21-3 ATS) will try to close the gap on the top of the Eastern Conference standings with a sixth straight win when they host the Los Angeles Clippers (29-25, 27-27) in Thursday NBA action.
The Bucks have run up the score while winning seven of eight overall, averaging 127.6 points per game, capped by a 124-115 victory over the visiting Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night. The Clippers have overcome a dismal 2-9 swoon to start 2023 with victories in six of their past seven, and with Tuesday’s 108-103 win in Chicago, they have also gone 5-1 SU over their past six road contests. Sports bettors should note the late 10 p.m. Eastern start time at Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum of this nationally broadcast contest.
Latest Betting Notes: Clippers
The Clippers have quickly made up for recently lost ground, and thanks to their recent surge, they enter Thursday’s contest in control of fourth place in the Western Conference, sporting a winning record on the road for the first time since late December.
LA’s resurgence has coincided with a return to form by Kawhi Leonard. “Fun Guy” was once again the difference on Tuesday, tallying a game-high 33 points in the win over the Bulls. Leonard averaged 27.7 points in January and has racked up 31.2 points per game over his past five road appearances.
The club has had to make do without Marcus Morris Sr., who has been sidelined for the past week by a rib injury. The veteran forward’s status remains listed as questionable for Thursday.
Latest Betting Notes: Bucks
After struggling to generate consistent results over the holiday season and into early January, the Bucks have rediscovered their touch. But despite winning seven of eight, Milwaukee continues to lag behind the conference-leading Boston Celtics by 2.5 games.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has flashed MVP form during the Bucks’ resurgence. The “Greek Freak” has averaged 37.6 points per game during the team’s five-game SU win streak, highlighted by a dominating 50-point performance in last weekend’s 135-110 rout of the New Orleans Pelicans that marked the second time he reached 50 during the month of January.
Giannis has also recorded 10 double-doubles and one triple-double in 12 outings since Christmas Day. However, he continues to nurse a sore knee that leaves him officially listed as questionable for Thursday.
Clippers Player Prop: Paul George At Least 36 Points, Rebounds and Assists
It has taken some time for Paul George to regain his footing since returning from injury, but the veteran shooting guard has rounded into form during LA’s win streak, averaging 23 points over his past six games. While it can be easy to forget that George remains the leading scorer on this team, he should certainly not be passed over as a -120 bet to tally at least 36 total points, rebounds and assists on Thursday.
Bucks Player Prop: Jrue Holiday OVER 25.5 Total Points and Rebounds
While Giannis has captured the spotlight during the Bucks’ current surge, the recent steady play of Jrue Holiday cannot be overlooked. Holiday has been sensational at times while averaging 22.8 points over his past 11 outings and posted a career-high 13 rebounds in Tuesday’s win over the Hornets. While it may be a lot to expect Holiday to duplicate his dominance under the bucket, he is certainly an intriguing option as a -110 bet to top 25.5 total points and boards on Thursday night.
