Bucks vs. Trail Blazers NBA Betting Odds
The Milwaukee Bucks have been the worst team in the NBA throughout the entirety of the 2013-14 season, and life isn’t getting any easier with a trip to see the Portland Trail Blazers on the horizon. [ad-4468020]
Milwaukee (13-54) @ Portland (43-24)
Tuesday, March 18 10:00 PM ET @ Moda Center
Spread: PDX -12.5 / OU: 207.5
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The glimmer of hope for Milwaukee comes from the fact that Portland is in the midst of its worst stretch of the entire year. The question in this one will be: Does Portland’s talent and scoring ability outweigh the fact that it is struggling mightily?
Milwaukee
When looking at basic statistics, it’s easy to see why the Milwaukee Bucks are dead last in terms of league-wide standings. They’re 29th in scoring, as their points-per-game average is just 94.5, and they’re 23rd in defense, surrendering nearly 103 points per contest.
As tempted as you’ll be to pick the Trail Blazers at home, consider a few things. First and foremost, the Blazers have lost six of their last eight contests. Momentum is not in Portland’s favor, which bodes well for the struggling Bucks.
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More importantly, recognize that the team is without its leading scorer, LaMarcus Aldridge. If Milwaukee can lock down on Damian Lillard, it will significantly decrease the Blazers’ chances.
The odds will be in Portland’s favor entering the contest, but if there was ever a time to bet on the Bucks versus a contender, this might be it.
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Portland
When it comes to Portland’s success against Milwaukee, it all comes down to how badly the team wants it. We can talk about their high-octane offense and their subpar defense all we want, but against the Bucks—a team that is tanking for a better pick in the 2014 draft—all that matters is how hard the team plays.
Expect Portland to come out of the gate with a ton of energy. The alternate scenario would have them hung over from a close loss to the Golden State Warriors, but the Blazers recognize that they must do something every championship contender does on a regular basis: They must take down inferior opponents.
As lucky as Milwaukee is to catch Portland in the midst of a drought, it could also go against them. The Blazers recognize that they need to right the ship sooner rather than later, and what better time to make that happen than against the league’s worst team?
Portland has a stretch of winnable games coming up beginning with Milwaukee on Tuesday. The team from the Pacific Northwest hasn’t had much to smile about as of late, but look for this to be the bounce-back outing they need to prepare for the season’s final stretch.
Prediction: Portland 110 – Milwaukee 95
