Clippers vs. Bucks Analysis & Recommended Bet 2/2/23

Los Angeles Clippers (29-25 SU, 27-26-1 ATS) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (34-17 SU, 27-21-3 ATS)

When: Thursday, February 2nd, 10:00 PM (ET)

Where: Fiserv Forum, WI, Milwaukee

TV: TNT

Point Spread: LAL +5/Mil -5 (STOP wasting your money betting on games at -110 odds! Start saving BIG bucks by laying only -105 at BAS Sportsbook!)

Total: 231.5

Money Line: Los Angeles Clippers +159/-193

Notable Injuries

Clippers

• John Wall (Out) Abdominal
• Marcus Morris Sr. (Questionable) Ribs

Bucks

• Giannis Antetokounmpo (Probable) Knee
• Serge Ibaka (Out) Personal
• Bobby Portis (Out) Knee
• MarJon Beauchamp (Probable) Patella

Recent Form

Heading into the game, Los Angeles is 29-25 overall. When taking to the road, Los Angeles has a mark of 15-14 and a win percentage of 52%. Currently, the team is 4th in the Western Conference. So far, they are 27-26-1 vs. the spread. When looking at how the team has performed of late straight and vs. the spread, they are 4-1 in their past five games and 4-1 ATS. Over their past ten games, they are 7-3 SU and 6-4 ATS.

The Clippers came away with a win in their last matchup against the Bulls, achieving a 108-103 victory as 3-point favorites. Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with an impressive performance, scoring 33 points on a shooting percentage of 45.8%. In addition to the win, the Clippers also covered the spread.

On the season, Milwaukee is 34-17 overall. When playing at home, Milwaukee has a mark of 21-5 and a win percentage of 81%. Currently, the team is 2nd in the Eastern Conference. So far, they are 27-21-3 vs. the spread. Milwaukee will look to stay hot in today’s game vs. Los Angeles as they are the winners of 5 straight games.

Most recently, the Bucks took down the Hornets by a score of 124-115. Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 34 points, which was the most on the team. Milwaukee did not cover the spread as 11-point favorites.

The Historicals

In the 2021-2022 regular season, the Bucks and Clippers split their head-to-head season series. In these matchups, each team won on their opponent’s home floor. In last year’s head-to-head meetings, the Clippers averaged 133.0 points per game vs. Milwaukee, which was an increase over their season-long average. Conversely, the Bucks also experienced an uptick in scoring during head-to-head matchups, averaging 128.0 points per game vs. Los Angeles. When looking at how these teams have performed against the spread in recent matchups, the Bucks hold the edge at 3-2. In these matchups, the teams have put together an over-under mark of 3-2. Combined, they averaged 234 points in these games.

Analysis

This season, Los Angeles is averaging just 110.6 points per game, which places them 28th in the league. A major reason for these low numbers is the fact that they play at one of the slower paces in the NBA at just 97.1 possessions per game. In terms of 3-point shooting, the Clippers are ranked 13th in attempts per game. However, they have been one of the more efficient shooting teams in the league, connecting at a rate of 37.7%. Defensively, the Clippers have been one of the best units in the NBA, allowing just 108.39 points per game. So far, they have done an excellent job defending the 3-point arc, allowing teams to hit just 34.31%.

Going into today’s game, Paul George is the leading scorer for the Los Angeles team with an average of 23.3 points per game. This season, his field goal percentage is 46.4%. The team’s second top scorer is Norman Powell, who is averaging 16.4 points per game.

This season, the Bucks have loved to get up and down the court, as they are currently 12th in the league in possessions per game. However, this has yet to fully translate into the offensive success they are looking for, as Milwaukee is 17th in scoring at 114.3 points per game. The three-point shot has been a big part of Milwaukee’s offensive game plan, as they are ranked 4th in 3-point attempts per game. So far, they have connected on 36.0% of their looks from the outside. On defense, the Bucks allow an average of 112.13 points per game, placing them 19th in the league. So far, opposing teams are hitting 35.73% of their looks from deep vs. Milwaukee.

Going into today’s game, Giannis Antetokounmpo is the leading scorer for the Milwaukee team with an average of 31.8 points per game. This season, his field goal percentage is 53.6%. The team’s second top scorer is Jrue Holiday, who is averaging 19.4 points per game.

Betting Trends

• The Clippers are 5-0 ATS in their last five games playing on one day of rest.
• The Clippers are 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall.
• The Bucks are 3-7 ATS in their last ten games vs. a team with a winning straight-up record.
• The Bucks are 5-15-1 ATS in their last 21 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

The Clippers have the horses to run with the Bucks. I think this game will be close throughout and come down to the last possession, with the Clippers getting the cover. It’s early, but this has a chance to be a preview of the 2023 NBA Finals! Bet your basketball predictions for FREE this week by scoring a 100% real cash bonus on your first deposit up to $500 when you use bonus code PREDICTEM at Betnow Sportsbook!