It’s just my opinion, but the Milwaukee Bucks and Utah Jazz are both underappreciated for the seasons that they are putting together. Both teams are looking at long playoff runs and they’ve also been two of the more profitable teams for sports bettors in 2018-2019. The Bucks defeated the Jazz 114-102 in Wisconsin on January 7, covering the spread as a five-point favorite.
The Bucks open this one as a four-point road dog after a hard-fought win in Los Angeles last night in a game where Milwaukee likely got more of a push than it expected. The total for tonight’s game opened at 225.
Bucks vs Jazz Game Center
Standout Stats
- The Milwaukee Bucks have been a road underdog on a back-to-back just once this season – a game they won 121-114 in Denver on November 11. The Bucks are, however, just 2-4 ATS in their last four games on a back-to-back.
- Utah is 2-5 SU and ATS as a favorite of five points or fewer on home court while the Bucks are 5-1 SU and ATS as an underdog. Milwaukee’s only loss as an underdog was 117-113 at TD Garden with the Celtics as 2.5-point faves.
- Utah is 13-2 SU and 8-6-1 ATS in its last 15 home games.
- Milwaukee is scoring 54.5 points in the paint per game (3rd) while Utah is No. 7 with 47.0 opponent points per game in the paint.
- Last night, the Lakers hit 13 three-pointers to attack the Milwaukee defense where it is vulnerable. Opponents are shooting 35.8 percent from outside against the Bucks – welcome news for the Jazz who get 32.1 percent of their offense from beyond the arc. However, Utah is No. 21 from three with just a 34.8 percent shooting percentage.
- Utah scored 18.0 percent of its points from free throws over the last 15 games. That’s No. 3 in the Association during that stretch. Milwaukee is giving up just 20.6 free throws per game – the third lowest in the league.
- Milwaukee has the best point differential in the league at 8.3 points over the last 15 games. Utah is No. 8 at 4.4.
My Bet for Bucks vs Jazz
Bucks +4
I can’t not take the Bucks getting four points in this spot against a team that they match up with very, very well. Milwaukee protects the paint but doesn’t let guys get to the line, which is a key for Utah.
The Jazz are just an average three-point shooting team and the Bucks will leave that shot open to hope for one and done offensive possessions by a Utah team that is No. 11 in rebounding – yet another stat category that sees Milwaukee at the top.
UPDATE: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Malcolm Brogdon are now listed as game-time decisions. The line has since moved to +4.5 and I will likely still be backing the Bucks.
