PHOENIX SUNS VS. MILWAUKEE BUCKS EXPERT PICK – MARCH 17, 2024 — Greetings, basketball fans. Welcome back to our NBA coverage here at Total Apex Sports. One of the games on tap from today’s slate features the Phoenix Suns (38-28 SU, 26-39-2 ATS) traveling on the road to take on the Milwaukee Bucks (43-24 SU, 29-38 ATS).
Here is a look at which team has the edge from a betting perspective heading into this crucial matchup and why.
Phoenix Suns vs. Milwaukee Bucks Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Phoenix Suns | +2
-110 |
O 226.5
-110 |
+110 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | -2
-110 |
U 226.5
-110 |
-130 |
| **Odds Courtesy of DraftKings and Subject to Change** | |||
Phoenix Suns vs. Milwaukee Bucks Game Details
- Fixture: Phoenix Suns @ Milwaukee Bucks
- Date and Time: March 17, 2024 @ 1:00 PM EST
- Location: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
- TV: ABC
Apex Tale of the Tape
|
Phoenix Suns |
vs. |
Milwaukee Bucks |
| 38-28 | Record | 43-24 |
| 116.8 | Points Per Game | 120.4 |
| 49.2 | FG% | 49.3 |
| 37.5 | 3PT% | 37.4 |
| 44.3 | Rebounds Per Game | 44.0 |
| 114.2 | Points Allowed Per Game | 117.1 |
| 46.3 | Defensive FG% | 47.2 |
| 36.3 | Defensive 3PT% | 36.0 |
| 76.6 | Defensive FT% | 80.1 |
| 30.3 | Defensive Rebounds Per Game | 33.7 |
| 3-2 | Last 5 W-L | 2-3 |
| 98.6 | Team Pace |
100.5 |
Key Stats
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are currently in the sixth spot in the Western Conference playoff race. And with just a half-game lead over the seventh-place Sacramento Kings, Phoenix is looking to create a bit of separation to solidify their playoff position.
Kevin Durant is the focal point of the offense, averaging a team-high 28.1 points per outing. Jusuf Nurkic leads the team in rebounds at 11.1 per contest. Devin Booker is the point man as he averages 6.9 dimes per game.
Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks have the second-best record in the East. However, they have a slim one-game lead over the third-place Cleveland Cavaliers. With that said, every game is a must-win for Milwaukee to keep its hold on the No. 2 spot in the conference.
Giannis Antetokounmpo does a bit of everything for this team. He is the leader in points (30.8), rebounds (11.2), and steals (1.2). Damian Lillard runs the offense and averages 6.9 assists per contest. Brook Lopez provides a solid defensive presence with 2.6 blocks per game.
Injury Report
Phoenix Suns
- Damion Lee – OUT (Knee)
- Josh Okogle—OUT (Abdominal)
Milwaukee Bucks
- Giannis Antetokounmpo – Questionable (Hamstring)
- Malik Beasley — Questionable (Back)
- Marjon Beauchamp — Questionable (Back)
- Chris Livingston – OUT (Ankle)
Game Predictions
The Bucks opened as a 3.5-point favorite. However, the line has dipped to 2.5 points for the home team (per OddShark.com). The Bucks have covered the spread eight times in their last 11 outings. Additionally, Phoenix is 5-7 against the spread this season as a road underdog. Given these trends, going with the Bucks to cover a small spread is the best play here.
The over/under for this contest opened at 231.5 points. The line has dipped to 229.5 points (per Pre-Game.com). The UNDER total has prevailed 11 times in the Suns’ last 16 matchups against Central Division opponents. Furthermore, the UNDER is 10-4 in Milwaukee’s last 14 contests against Western Conference teams. Simply put, go with the “under” in this matchup.
James Tillman’s Final Picks
Spread: Milwaukee Bucks -2 (-110) OddShark
Over/Under: UNDER 226.5 points (-110) DraftKings
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