The Oklahoma City Thunder (20-15) put their six-game winning streak on the line when they square off against the Milwaukee Bucks (18-15) at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The game can be seen on Fox SportsNet Oklahoma at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, December 29, 2017.
Oklahoma City opened as an 8-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 210.5 points.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Prediction
The Bucks will be hoping for a similar outcome after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in their last matchup, 102-96. Milwaukee’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Minnesota. The Bucks had a rate of 20.6 (above their season average of 18.6), while the Timberwolves posted a mark of 17.1 (below their season average of 25.0). Milwaukee rallied around Giannis Antetokounmpo, who contributed 22 points and 10 rebounds.
In the Thunder’s last matchup, they defeated the Toronto Raptors, 124-107. Oklahoma City won the rebounding battle. The Thunder had more offensive rebounds (15 vs. seven), defensive rebounds (37 vs. 27) and total rebounds (52 vs. 34). With 30 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds, Russell Westbrook put together a solid game for Oklahoma City.
It could be a mistake-prone game for the Oklahoma City offense. Oklahoma City ranks 18th in the NBA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 14.4 percent), while the disruptive defense of Milwaukee forces the seventh-most turnovers in the league (15.3 percent).
Milwaukee holds records of 18-15 straight up (SU) and 13-14-5 against the spread (ATS). Of the Bucks’ 32 games with betting action, 21 have finished over the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma City is 20-15 SU and 13-21-1 ATS. Contrary to Milwaukee, games involving the Thunder have a tendency to finish under the O/U total (60.0 percent).
Eric Bledsoe has averaged 21.4 points, 5.0 assists and 1.2 steals over the last five games for Milwaukee.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, the Bucks lost 110-91, unable to cover as 2.5-point underdogs. Antetokounmpo led both teams with 28 points and also added eight rebounds. The game finished with a total of 201 points, which was 9.5 points below the projected point total of 210.5 points. Oklahoma City’s rebounding was their biggest advantage. The Thunder had nine offensive rebounds and 46 total rebounds, while the Bucks had four and 31, respectively.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Thunder, ATS Winner – Thunder, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Milwaukee is 7-6-2 ATS with 11 overs and 4 unders.
At home, Oklahoma City is 8-9-1 ATS with 11 unders and 7 overs.
When allowing below 100 points, Oklahoma City is 13-4 and Milwaukee is 7-2.
The Thunder are 17-6 when they score over 100 points, while the Bucks are 15-9.
Oklahoma City ranks third in second chance points per game (14.5) while Milwaukee ranks last (9.4).
The Bucks rank fifth in steals allowed per game (6.8) while the Thunder rank 22nd (8.2).
Oklahoma City ranks 13th in rebounds per game (44.0) while Milwaukee ranks last (38.5).
The Bucks rank first in blocks allowed per game (3.6) while the Thunder rank ninth (4.5).
Oklahoma City ranks 17th in three pointers attempted per game (28.8) while Milwaukee ranks 25th (24.8).
The Bucks rank second in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.5) while the Thunder rank eighth (14.9).
Milwaukee ranks first in fast break points allowed per game (7.0) while Oklahoma City ranks seventh (9.4).
The Thunder rank third in points allowed in the paint per game (40.5) while the Bucks rank seventh (41.8).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Milwaukee is 2-1-2 ATS with 5 overs.
Oklahoma City is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Bucks have scored an equal number of points as their opponents. On the season, Milwaukee has lost by an average of 0.5 points.
During their last five games, the Thunder have scored an average of 113.2 points per game (9.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 99.8 points per game (0.4 below their season average).
