Milwaukee Bucks vs San Antonio Spurs Picks and Predictions January 8th 2025

Milwaukee Bucks vs San Antonio Spurs January 8th 2025

At 9:30 ET, the San Antonio Spurs will travel to Milwaukee to take on the Bucks at Fiserv Forum. The Bucks are currently favored by 5.5 points and are 18-16 on the season, which is good for 5th in the Eastern Conference. The Spurs are 18-18 and have lost two straight games.

This non-conference matchup can be seen on ESPN and the over/under line is currently set at 222 points.

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Spurs vs. Bucks Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: San Antonio Spurs at Milwaukee Bucks
• Where: Milwaukee at Fiserv Forum
• Date: Wednesday, January 8th
• Betting Odds MIL -5.5, SA +174 | MIL -206 O/U 222

The Spurs Can Win If…

The Spurs dropped to 18-18 on the season following a 114-110 road loss to the Bulls on Monday. San Antonio entered the game as 3-point favorites but failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 224, falling short of the 236.5 O/U line.

San Antonio appeared to be in control, leading 95-82 going into the 4th quarter. However, the Bulls went on an 11-0 run and outscored the Spurs 32-15 in the final period to complete the comeback.

Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 23 points and 14 rebounds in their 114-110 loss to the Bulls, hitting 4 threes at 36.4% shooting. Chris Paul added 18 points and 9 assists, while Julian Champagnie contributed 12 points, also knocking down 4 threes.

San Antonio connected on 15 threes at a 32.6% rate, with an overall field goal percentage of 46.3%. Wembanyama scored 10 points in the 3rd quarter, while Paul added 7 points in both the 3rd and 4th quarters.

The Spurs’ defense started strong, giving up just 20 points in the 1st quarter, but they couldn’t maintain that level, allowing 30 points in the 2nd and 32 in both the 3rd and 4th quarters, leading to a 114-110 loss to the Bulls. San Antonio held Chicago to 43% shooting from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Bulls hit 13 threes on 33% shooting. San Antonio sent Chicago to the line 15 times, with the Bulls converting 13 free throws. The Spurs recorded 8 steals and 12 blocks in the game.

• Across their last three road contests, San Antonio has a 2-1 record vs the spread. Their overall mark in these games was 1-2, while averaging 111 points per game.
• In their last ten games as the betting underdog, the Spurs have a straight up record of 2-8 and an ATS mark of 5-5.
• Over their last three games, the Spurs have an over/under record of 0-3 and are 1-2 vs. the spread.

The Bucks Can Win If…

The Bucks improved to 18-16 on the season with a 128-104 win over the Raptors on Monday. Milwaukee, favored by six points, covered the spread with a +24 point margin. The game’s total points reached 232, just surpassing the O/U line of 231.

A key moment came when the Bucks went on a 17-0 run, stretching the score from 13-11 to 30-11. Milwaukee took control early, leading 28-19 after the 1st quarter and 66-47 at halftime. They entered the 4th quarter with a 99-75 lead, and both teams scored 29 points in the final period.

The Bucks shot 57.3% from the field and hit 22 threes at a 50% clip in their win over the Raptors. Damian Lillard led the way with 25 points, knocking down 5 threes at 62.5% efficiency.

Bobby Portis added 20 points, hitting 4 threes at 66.7%, while Gary Trent Jr. contributed 17 points, with 10 coming in the 2nd quarter. Lillard scored 15 of his 25 points in the 3rd quarter.

The Bucks put together a strong defensive performance on Monday, holding the Raptors to 104 points. Milwaukee started off well, allowing just 19 points in the 1st quarter, and gave up 28 points in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, followed by 29 in the 4th. Overall, the Bucks held Toronto to 45% shooting from the field.

Milwaukee was especially effective at defending the three-point line, where they limited the Raptors to just 9 made threes on 25% shooting. The Bucks also sent Toronto to the free-throw line 21 times, where the Raptors made 13. Milwaukee finished with 39 defensive rebounds, gave up 10 offensive boards, and added 7 steals and 8 blocks.

• In their last three home games, Milwaukee has averaged 119 points per game while allowing 110. The team’s record in this stretch was 2-1 while going 2-1 vs. the spread.
• In their last three games as the betting favorite, the Bucks have a straight up record of 1-2 and an ATS mark of 1-2.
• In their last three games, the Bucks have an over/under record of 1-2 and are 0-3 vs. the spread.

The Lean

Not only do we have the Bucks winning this one by a score of 141-133, but we see them covering the spread. Our pick is to grab the Bucks at -5.5.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 222, and our model predicts the Spurs and Bucks to score a combined 274 points. We recommend betting on the over.

NBA Picks & Predictions from The Best Expert Handicappers

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee Bucks Face Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs in a Must-Watch Matchup

The Milwaukee Bucks, riding high on their recent success, prepare to host the San Antonio Spurs in what promises to be an exciting showdown on Wednesday night. While the Bucks look to extend their winning momentum, the Spurs are striving to overcome their struggles and find their footing. Central to this matchup are two of the NBA’s most compelling figures: Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Resilience Amid Injury

Despite sustaining a hand injury in the Bucks’ recent 128-104 victory over the Toronto Raptors, Giannis Antetokounmpo remains optimistic about suiting up against the Spurs. The two-time MVP required three stitches for a laceration near his right pinky finger, an injury incurred during a chase-down block attempt late in the first half.

Remarkably, Giannis continued playing into the third quarter, securing his fourth triple-double of the season with 11 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds. His performance underscored his versatility and commitment, even on a challenging night.

“He didn’t want to come out because he felt like he could finish, but it kept bleeding,” said Milwaukee head coach Doc Rivers. “It was affecting his ball handling, but he’s tough. I think he’ll be ready to face San Antonio.”

Giannis, who is averaging a career-best 31.6 points per game, downplayed the severity of his injury with characteristic humor. “I feel great,” he said post-game. “Got some stitches, but we won, and my wife still likes me. Good day overall.”

Milwaukee Bucks: Teamwork and Momentum

Giannis’ selflessness on the court continues to inspire his teammates. Against Toronto, his precision passing set the tone for a cohesive team effort. Damian Lillard led the scoring with 25 points, while Bobby Portis (20 points) and Gary Trent Jr. (17 points) thrived in their roles.

“We shot 44 threes at 50 percent because the ball was moving,” Rivers remarked. “When your best player plays unselfishly, it becomes contagious.”

However, the Bucks will be keeping an eye on Khris Middleton’s health. The three-time All-Star traveled with the team to Toronto but sat out to manage his surgically repaired ankles. His potential return against the Spurs would bolster Milwaukee’s lineup significantly.

Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs: Learning Through Struggles

On the other side of the court, the San Antonio Spurs enter the game after a disheartening 114-110 loss to the Chicago Bulls. Despite holding a 19-point lead in the third quarter, the Spurs faltered in the final minutes, conceding 11 unanswered points.

Spurs interim coach Mitch Johnson highlighted a lack of focus and attention to detail as key issues. “You have to fight the human nature of being complacent when things are going well,” Johnson said. “We felt the game flip, and that lack of respect for the little things cost us.”

Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs’ second-year sensation, delivered a stellar individual performance with 23 points, 14 rebounds, and eight blocks. However, he echoed his coach’s sentiments about the team’s struggles with maturity.

“It’s frustrating,” Wembanyama admitted. “We don’t deserve more wins because this is our level right now. These tough losses are part of our growth.”

Key Matchup: Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Victor Wembanyama

This game offers a fascinating clash between two transcendent talents. Giannis, with his relentless drive and all-around dominance, faces Wembanyama, a rising star redefining the game with his size, skill, and versatility. While Giannis represents the standard of excellence in the NBA, Wembanyama symbolizes the future, making this matchup a compelling narrative of present vs. potential.

The Bucks’ ability to capitalize on their veteran experience and cohesive play will be tested against the youthful energy and unpredictability of the Spurs. San Antonio, while struggling to close games, has shown flashes of brilliance, often driven by Wembanyama’s individual performances.

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What to Watch For

1. Giannis’ Health: How will his injured hand impact his scoring and ball-handling? Will he continue to focus on facilitating for teammates?
2. Khris Middleton’s Status: If Middleton plays, his presence will significantly enhance Milwaukee’s offensive options.
3. Spurs’ Growth: Can San Antonio avoid the lapses that cost them against Chicago?
4. Wembanyama’s Leadership: Will the young star rise to the occasion and inspire his team against one of the league’s elite squads?

Conclusion: A Game of Contrasts

This Bucks-Spurs matchup is a tale of contrasts. Milwaukee is a seasoned contender aiming for championship glory, led by the dominant Giannis and his supporting cast. San Antonio, in the midst of a rebuild, looks to Wembanyama to guide their young core toward future success.

For fans, the game represents an opportunity to witness greatness in the making and a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of basketball. As the Bucks aim to assert their dominance and the Spurs strive for growth, this clash promises excitement, drama, and plenty of highlights.