Wizards vs Bucks Odds, Spread & Predictions (Jan. 3)

• Milwaukee is an 8-point favorite in the Wizards vs Bucks odds on Tuesday
• Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) and Jrue Holiday (illness) are both probable after missing Sunday’s game
• Check out the latest Wizards vs Bucks odds and best bets below

The Milwaukee Bucks (23-13, 15-4 home) got some good news on Monday in regards to their franchise player. Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to practice after sitting out Sunday’s loss to the Washington Wizards (17-21, 7-14 away) with knee soreness, and is expected back in the lineup for the rematch on Tuesday.

The Wizards took down the Bucks in convincing fashion without Antetokounmpo, but online sportsbooks are not expecting a repeat performance in the NBA odds now that Giannis is back.

Wizards vs Bucks Odds

Odds as of January 2 at FanDuel. Claim the FanDuel Sportsbook promo code to bet on the Wizards vs Bucks game.

Milwaukee opened up as an 8-point favorite, in a contest without a total as of Monday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:10 pm ET at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, WI, with NBA TV providing the broadcast coverage.

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Wizards vs Bucks Betting Analysis

Washington’s 118-95 victory over the Bucks on Sunday was their season-high fifth in a row. They’ve also beaten Philadelphia and Phoenix during that stretch, giving them three wins over top-nine NBA Championship odds contenders.

Milwaukee wasn’t the only team playing shorthanded on Sunday as the Wizards were missing their best player as well. Bradley Beal sat out his third straight game due to a hamstring injury. He is not listed in the NBA starting lineups for Tuesday.

Without their leading scorer, Rui Hachimura poured in 26 points, while Kristaps Porzingis added 22 points. Washington shot a blistering 53% from the field, and stymied the Bucks offense as well.

in our last 5 games, @rui_8mura is averaging:

21.4 PTS | 4.4 REB | 1.8 AST pic.twitter.com/ccjCwYYUmq

— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) January 2, 2023

Milwaukee shot just 35% and was absolutely obliterated in the paint. They were outscored 72-26 down low, and their performance in the paint has been a big factor for their current skid. The Bucks have lost five of their last six outings, getting outscored by a combined 65 points.

Milwaukee was also without Jrue Holiday (illness), while Khris Middleton (knee) missed his eighth straight game. Holiday is probable for Tuesday, while Middleton will sit yet again.

With Holiday and Antetokounmpo back in the lineup, expect a more inspired defensive effort. Both have earned NBA all-defensive team honors in the past, and are a major reason why Milwaukee ranks fourth in defensive rating.

NBA INJURY ALERT: Bucks PF/C Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) and PG Jrue Holiday (illness) are listed as probable for Tuesday's game vs. the Wizards. pic.twitter.com/QRBOfv77pU

— DraftKings Network (@DKNetwork) January 2, 2023

The Wizards meanwhile, grade out 10th in defensive rating and have been elite at that end of the court recently. Over the past five games they lead the NBA in defensive rating, allowing an average of only 103.4 points per 100 possessions. Extrapolated over an entire season, that would be five points better than the current best mark (Cleveland).

Not only has the Washington defense been on fire, but their offense is red-hot as well. They’re averaging 120.3 points per 100 possessions during their streak, a full 8 points better than their season long mark.

Wizards vs Bucks Predictions

The Bucks disappointing run has come despite some herculean performances by Giannis. The Greek Freak has averaged 38 points, 14.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists over his past six games, but it hasn’t led Milwaukee to many victories.

Giannis and Co. have covered in just nine of their past 25 games, and are 9-11-1 ATS against conference opposition. Their recent form certainly doesn’t inspire much confidence, and it doesn’t warrant laying 8 points to a Wizards teams playing their best basketball of the season.

NBA Net Rating Last 5 Games

We mentioned the Bucks’ below average play in the paint earlier, and that could rear its ugly head again on Tuesday. Washington ranks 10th in the league in that category, and over the last three games they’re averaging 59.3 points down low, more than all but two other teams.

The Wizards have not only won five straight, but they’ve covered each contest as well. They’re 7-1 ATS in their last eight outings, including 4-1 against the spread away from home.

Pick: Washington Wizards +8 (-110)