Wizards vs. Bucks: NBA odds, Picks and Predictions
Wizards vs. Bucks Odds
| Wizards Odds | +4 |
| Bucks Odds | -4 |
| Over/Under | 224.5 |
| Date | Sun, Jan. 1 |
| Time | 8:00 p.m. |
| TV | BSWI |
It may be a new year, but injuries and illness remain in full force. Ahead of tonight’s tip-off between the Washington Wizards and Milwaukee Bucks, Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton have already been ruled out, with Giannis Antetokounmpo being listed as questionable. Bradley Beal is listed as questionable for the Wizards. The potential absence of key players has caused erratic line movement on the market, but Milwaukee remains 4-point home favorites on the spread as of this writing.
Washington Wizards
Bradley Beal’s impact
Per Cleaning the Glass, the Wizards rank in the 91st percentile in offensive efficiency and the 25th percentile in defensive efficiency. When Beal is on the sidelines, the metrics reverse, with Washington ranking in the 34th percentile in offensive efficiency and the 70th percentile in defensive efficiency. If the talented guard is unable to suit-up this evening, it is likely to result in a much lower scoring affair than if he takes the floor.
Who benefits if Beal is out?
If Beal does not play, Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle Kuzma are the two players who see the largest increase in usage. In such situations, Porzingis is averaging 26.5 points per 36 minutes of action, and Kuzma is averaging 22.8 points per 36 minutes of action, with both players occupying roughly a 30.0% usage role in the offense.
Milwaukee Bucks
No Middleton, No Holiday
When both Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton have been off of the court this season, the Bucks rank in the 15th percentile in offensive efficiency and the 80th percentile in defensive efficiency. When both players are on the sidelines, Bobby Portis sees his role expand the most of any player, receiving a 2.4% increase in usage. Per Court IQ, Portis is averaging 20.2 points and 13.1 rebounds per 36 minutes with both Middleton and Holiday off of the floor.
Giannis Antetokounmpo listed as questionable
When Giannis Antetokounmpo is off of the floor at the same time as Middleton and Holiday this season, Milwaukee ranks in the 14th percentile in offensive efficiency and the 85th percentile in defensive efficiency. If the superstar forward is ultimately ruled out, bettors can expect Portis to be the primary option on the offensive end of the floor and for team defense to keep the Bucks competitive.
Wizards vs. Bucks – Picks & Predictions
On a night in which the majority of the offensive players for Milwaukee could end up not playing, bettors could be treated to a low-scoring, defensive battle between these two teams. Waiting for a final status report on Beal and Antetokounmpo is advised, but the under should have a good opportunity to cash either way with both Holiday and Middleton in street clothes.
PICK: Under 224.5 (-110, FanDuel)
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