Milwaukee Bucks vs Washington-wizards Picks and Predictions November 30th 2024

Milwaukee Bucks vs Washington-Wizards November 30th 2024

At 8:00 ET, the Milwaukee Bucks (-1357) will host the Washington Wizards (+798) in an Eastern Conference matchup. The Bucks are favored by 15.5 points, and the over/under line is set at 229.5.

Washington is currently riding a 13-game losing streak and has a record of 2-15. Meanwhile, Milwaukee has won five straight and is 9-9 on the season. Tip-off will be at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee and can be seen on MNMT.

Wizards vs. Bucks Key Information

The Wizards fell to 2-15 on the season after a 121-96 loss to the Clippers on Wednesday. Washington was a +9 point underdog at home and failed to cover the spread. The game’s total points of 217 fell short of the 225.5 O/U line.

Washington trailed 37-26 after the 1st quarter and couldn’t close the gap, despite a 10-0 run that brought the score from 105-75 to 105-85.

In their 121-96 loss to the Clippers, the Wizards struggled offensively, shooting just 41.2% from the field and hitting only 8 three-pointers at a 24.2% clip. Malcolm Brogdon and Jonas Valanciunas led the team with 17 points each, with Brogdon shooting 72.7% from the field.

Valanciunas scored 12 of his points in the 2nd quarter, while Brogdon added 9 in the 1st. Alex Sarr contributed 13 points, with 8 coming in the 3rd quarter.

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The Wizards struggled defensively on Wednesday, giving up 121 points to the Clippers. Their toughest stretch came in the 1st quarter, where they allowed 37 points, but they tightened up in the 2nd, giving up just 24. The Clippers shot 50% from the field overall.

Washington allowed 12 threes on 36% shooting from deep and sent the Clippers to the line 25 times, where they made 19 free throws. The Wizards gave up 13 offensive rebounds while recording 9 steals and 4 blocks.

The Bucks evened their record at 9-9 after a 106-103 win over the Heat on Tuesday. Milwaukee, who entered the game as +6 point underdogs, not only pulled off the road win but also covered the spread. The game’s total points of 209 fell short of the 222.5 O/U line.

Milwaukee took control early with an 11-0 run, turning an 8-5 deficit into a 16-8 lead. They led 31-20 after the 1st quarter and 34-31 in the 2nd. The Heat made a push in the 3rd, outscoring the Bucks 29-20, but Milwaukee held on in the 4th, edging Miami 21-23.

Damian Lillard’s 37 points and 12 assists powered the Bucks to a 106-103 win over the Heat, with Lillard hitting 8 threes at a 61.5% rate. The Bucks made 20 threes as a team, shooting 47.6% from deep.

Lillard scored 17 points in the 1st quarter, adding 10 more in the 3rd. Brook Lopez contributed 8 of his 13 points in the 2nd quarter, while Bobby Portis added 5 of his 11 points in the 4th.

The Bucks’ defense shined in the 1st and 4th quarters, allowing just 20 and 23 points, respectively, to help secure a 106-103 win over the Heat. Milwaukee limited Miami to 10 three-pointers on 34% shooting from beyond the arc.

Milwaukee gave up 30 free-throw attempts, with the Heat converting 23. The Bucks grabbed 32 defensive rebounds while allowing 9 offensive boards. They also contributed 5 steals and 7 blocks.

Entering the game as underdogs with a spread of +15.5, the Wizards is our point spread pick. Our projections not only see them covering the spread but also indicate a solid chance of an outright victory. This is a good choice for those looking for a higher moneyline payout.

Right now, the over/under line for the game is sitting at 229.5 and given that our model is projecting 249 points between the teams, we like the over.

Bucks Look to Extend Win Streak Against NBA-Worst Wizards

Opposite Directions: Bucks Seek Six Straight, Wizards Aim to End Losing Streak

The Milwaukee Bucks and Washington Wizards, two teams experiencing vastly different fortunes, meet Saturday in Milwaukee. The Bucks (13-7) are riding high on a five-game winning streak, while the Wizards (2-18) continue to sink, burdened by a 13-game losing streak.

The Bucks have found their rhythm after a rocky start, positioning themselves as contenders in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, Washington teeters near the brink of a franchise-record losing streak, needing to reverse course soon to avoid matching the infamous 16-game skid.

Wizards Struggle to Find Answers

Washington’s woes were on full display in a 121-96 blowout loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. James Harden torched the Wizards with 43 points, including 23 in the first quarter.

“It’s still really, really early, but to run into this much adversity early stinks and stings,” said forward Corey Kispert. “There’s still a lot of positivity within the room, and there’s still a lot of encouragement.”

Despite the optimism, the Wizards have struggled to shoot effectively. Against the Clippers, they hit just 24.2 percent of their 3-point attempts (8 of 33). Guard Jordan Poole, returning from a hip injury, managed only eight points on 1-of-7 shooting.

“In moments like this, you can get discouraged,” said Malcolm Brogdon. “It’s about you performing up to the level you know you can play at.”

The Wizards’ upcoming schedule doesn’t offer much relief, with matchups against Milwaukee, Cleveland, Dallas, and Denver looming.

Bucks Rally Behind Lillard, Await Key Returns

Milwaukee continues to impress, even when missing key players. The Bucks secured a 106-103 road win against the Miami Heat on Tuesday without Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee soreness) and Khris Middleton (ankle surgery).

Damian Lillard led the charge with 37 points and 12 assists, showcasing the value he brings to his new team. Lillard has four double-doubles in his last five games and is steadily cementing himself as the centerpiece of Milwaukee’s late-game offense.

Antetokounmpo is expected to return on Saturday, and Middleton could make his season debut after participating in full-contact practices earlier this week.

“We’re beating good teams,” Lillard said. “We’re winning at home. We’re winning on the road … the way we’re doing it is sustainable.”

Pat Connaughton also made an impact in his return Tuesday, contributing 10 points and eight rebounds off the bench.

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“He’s a great communicator, so he’s always great at getting everyone on the same page,” said Bucks center Brook Lopez. “He does so many intangible things that just make us better.”

Key Matchup: Bucks’ Depth vs. Wizards’ Resilience

The Bucks will likely look to capitalize on Washington’s defensive struggles and lack of offensive cohesion. Milwaukee’s depth, led by Lillard and Antetokounmpo, has proven pivotal during their winning streak.

For the Wizards, maintaining competitiveness will hinge on improved shooting and contributions from players like Kispert, Brogdon, and Poole.

What’s at Stake

The Bucks aim to keep rolling as they solidify their spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Meanwhile, the Wizards need a spark to halt their downward spiral. For Washington, snapping their streak against one of the league’s elite teams would be a morale booster and a sign of progress.