The Denver Nuggets ( 36-17) play in Wisconsin to face the Milwaukee Bucks ( 34-19). Even though they are near each other in terms of the records, they couldn’t be further. However, both remain top contending teams, but that has more to do with their respective conferences. The traveling team from the West would be favored regardless of where they are. Meanwhile, the home side is somewhat fortunate to be in the East.
Yet despite these two drastically different narratives, the away team is a mere one-point favorite against the hosting squad. At least that’s how it was but the line has since shifted! What are some of the key insights you need before taking action on this game?
Denver Nuggets vs Milwaukee Bucks Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Denver Nuggets | +1.5 -110 |
O 230 -112 |
+100 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | -1.5 -110 |
U 230 -108 |
-120 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook** | |||
Fixture: Denver Nuggets @ Milwaukee Bucks
Date And Time: February 12, 2024 @ 8:00 p.m. EST
Location: Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Key Stats
Denver Nuggets (Averages)
Points: 114.6
Points Allowed: 111.0
Field Goal Efficiency: 43.7/88.7 for 49.3%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 11.5/31.1 for 37.1%
Free Throw Efficiency: 15.6/20.7 for 75.5%
Rebounds: 11.1 Offensive, 32.9 Defensive, 44.0 Combined
Assists: 28.8
Steals: 6.8
Blocks: 5.4
Turnovers: 11.7
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 40.8/87.1 for 46.9%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 11.4/31.2 for 36.4%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 17.9/22.7 for 78.8%
Rebounds Against: 10.6 Offensive, 31.1 Defensive, 41.7 Combined
The Denver Nuggets expect to have Michael Porter Jr. back (probable, knee) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope remains questionable with a hamstring injury. But the Bucks will be mostly healthy. However, the traveling team is flatly better than the home side. Despite the best efforts of their new head coach, defense is an issue. And against the scoring powers on this Nuggets team, things can get ugly quickly!
Nikola Jokic will have a good evening. Even if the Bucks slightly improve defensively, you can picture the Joker grabbing another triple-double. Additionally, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon are poised to have big contributing nights for Denver. The champs view tonight as an important regular season game. Don’t be surprised if the Denver Nuggets make a statement.
Milwaukee Bucks (Averages)
Points: 122.9
Points Allowed: 119.3
Field Goal Efficiency: 44.3/89.5 for 49.5%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 14.2/37.8 for 37.7%
Free Throw Efficiency: 20.1/26.1 for 77.0%
Rebounds: 9.4 Offensive, 34.6 Defensive, 44.0 Combined
Assists: 26.8
Steals: 6.8
Blocks: 5.2
Turnovers: 12.4
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 44.3/93.3 for 47.4%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 12.1/34.3 for 35.2%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 18.7/23.1 for 81.3%
Rebounds Against: 10.8 Offensive, 33.4 Defensive, 44.2 Combined
Conversely, the Milwaukee Bucks have already been making quite the statement. But in the wrong way! Despite their best efforts, they appear to be missing Jrue Holiday more and more every day. Additionally, they are not strong on the offensive glass and will likely not see a lot of second-chance opportunities tonight. Rather than expecting them to solve their defensive issues, it’s far more likely that they win in a shootout than in a close low-scoring struggle.
Khris Middleton is out for today’s game against the Denver Nuggets. but Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo are expected to give it a go today, despite their injury concerns. Regardless, the Nuggets are going to likely have their way with this team.
Game Prediction
The line started in favor of the Nuggets but has since shifted to favoring the Bucks as the slight favorite. Although betting on games that cross over can be tricky, this seems like the public picking a team that is better by reputation than anything else. However, Jokic remains the best all-around player in the NBA. It’s more likely that Denver wins by double digits than the Bucks win a close one.
Because I am picking the Denver Nuggets due to Milwaukee’s defense, I also like the over. Additionally, nothing has been solved under coach Rivers. Until I see otherwise, it can be expected for teams to score on the Bucks at will. But the home team has plenty of ammunition themselves which is why the over is the best play.
Final Pick
Denver Nuggets MoneyLine and Over 230
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! For more great content, check us out on X @TotalApexSports. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Make sure you follow us on NewsBreak as well.
