Milwaukee Bucks vs OKC Thunder Prediction, Odds & Picks for Friday

Mar 24, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives for the basket around Milwaukee Bucks guard Malik Beasley (5) during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY SportsThe Bucks and Thunder clash on Friday eveningThe Friday NBA odds favor the Thunder by 13.5 points at homeRead below for Bucks vs Thunder prediction, odds and picks for Friday

The Milwaukee Bucks (49-31) head to the Paycom Center to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder (55-25) in a marquee matchup between two of the NBA’s top teams. Tip off is 8:00 PM EST, with NBATV carrying the broadcast.

According to ESPN Sportsbook, the Thunder are favored by 13.5 points against the Bucks. Oklahoma City demolished the Spurs 127-89 in their last outing, while Milwaukee are coming off a 117-99 home win over the Magic.

Let’s delve into our Bucks vs Thunder prediction as we analyze the odds and provide our expert NBA picks.

Milwaukee Bucks vs OKC Thunder Odds

In the Friday NBA odds, the Thunder are -900 moneyline favorites over the Bucks, giving them an implied win probability of 90%.

This game has significant playoff implications for both teams as they jockey for seeding position in their respective conferences. Monitor the latest NBA playoff odds.

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Odds as of Thursday, April 11, 2024, at ESPN Sportsbook. Unlock the ESPN BET promo code to bet on Bucks vs Thunder.

Bucks vs Thunder History

In their one previous meeting this season, the Bucks dominated the Thunder 118-93 in Milwaukee. However, Antetokounmpo played a huge role in that game with 30 points and 19 rebounds.

MIL vs OCK Recent Results

Doc Rivers’ team has covered the spread in four straight meetings against the Thunder. Without Giannis, though, the Bucks will have a much tougher time containing SGA and the Thunder offense.

Bucks Betting Analysis

The Bucks have gone 2-1 in their last three games, with wins over the Celtics and Magic sandwiching a loss to the Wizards. In the win over Orlando, Bobby Portis stepped up with 30 points and nine rebounds in the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is out with a calf strain. Damian Lillard added 29 points and nine assists.

On the season, the Bucks are led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is averaging 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. Damian Lillard contributes 24.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per contest. Khris Middleton is putting up 15.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, while Bobby Portis is adding 13.9 points and 7.4 rebounds off the bench.

Giannis will officially miss the remainder of the regular season while he receives 'daily treatment and evaluation.' 🤕 pic.twitter.com/AY7c3aQuPC

— theScore Bet (@theScoreBet) April 10, 2024

However, Antetokounmpo has been ruled out for the rest of the regular season with his calf injury. Lillard is also questionable with a groin issue, while Middleton, Lopez and Portis are all game-time decisions. This leaves the Bucks severely shorthanded against a strong Thunder squad.

The Bucks are 35-45 against the spread (ATS) on the season and 18-20 ATS on the road.  Regarding over/under trends, Milwaukee has gone under the total in 40 of 80 games.

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Thunder Betting Analysis

The Thunder have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA, winning 14 of their last 16 games at home. They made quick work of the Spurs, racing out to a 34-11 first-quarter lead and never looking back. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 26 points in just 26 minutes.

Oklahoma City’s top performers this season include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with 30.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. Jalen Williams is averaging 19.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists. Rookie Chet Holmgren contributes 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per contest. Josh Giddey rounds out their core with 12.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game.

SGA poured in 26 PTS in 26 minutes to help the Thunder cruise past the Spurs! ⛈️ pic.twitter.com/mgIQcMoND2

— NBA (@NBA) April 11, 2024

The Thunder have no major injuries to report and should be at full strength. They are still battling for playoff positioning, currently tied with the Timberwolves for the 2-seed, one game back of the Nuggets in the NBA Playoff Bracket.

The Thunder are 44-36 ATS overall and an impressive 23-15 ATS at home. The total has hit the over in 43 of their 77 affairs. That’s one of the many NBA team trends we’re monitoring for this matchup.

Milwaukee Bucks vs OKC Thunder Prediction

Given the Bucks’ injury situation and the Thunder’s motivation to move up in the standings, it’s hard to envision Milwaukee keeping this competitive. The spread is a hefty 13.5 points, but I think OKC can cover it at home. SGA should feast on the Bucks’s drop coverage and have a massive game as he makes his closing MVP argument while bolstering his NBA MVP odds.

I’m taking the Thunder -13.5 and also like their team total over if Lillard is ruled out for the Bucks. Portis’s points and rebounds are another solid prop if he suits up, as he’ll have to carry the offense. Overall, though, the Thunder are the clear pick with so much on the line against a shorthanded opponent.

MIL vs OCK Pick:

Thunder 13.5 (-110)

 

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