Milwaukee Bucks vs Utah Jazz Picks and Predictions November 7th 2024

Bucks vs Jazz November 7th 2024

At 8:00 ET, the 1-6 Utah Jazz (+329) will travel to take on the 1-6 Milwaukee Bucks (-421) in a non-conference matchup. The over/under line for this game is currently set at 230.5 points.

This game will be played at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee and can be seen on KJZZ.

Jazz vs. Bucks Key Information

The Jazz picked up their first win of the season, moving to 1-6 after a 135-126 victory over the Bulls on Monday. Utah, who came in as +7.5 point underdogs, not only won but covered the spread. The total score of 261 points went well over the pre-game line of 229.5.

Utah’s 12-0 run early in the game helped them take control, but the Bulls fought back in the 3rd quarter, outscoring the Jazz 40-33. Utah responded by winning the 4th quarter 40-33 to seal the win.

Keyonte George knocked down 6 threes and finished with 33 points and 9 assists in the Jazz’s 135-126 win over the Bulls, shooting 50% from deep. John Collins added 28 points and 13 rebounds, hitting 70.6% of his shots, while Collin Sexton contributed 24 points, making 4 threes at a 57.1% rate.

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Utah connected on 16 threes, shooting 44.4% from beyond the arc and 53.9% overall. George scored 12 points in the 4th quarter, while Sexton added 14 in the final frame.

Despite a strong defensive showing in the 1st and 2nd quarters, where the Jazz held the Bulls to 27 and 26 points respectively, they struggled in the 3rd, giving up 40 points. The 4th quarter wasn’t much better, as they allowed 33 points, but they still managed to secure the win.

Utah allowed Chicago to shoot 47% from the field, including 37% from three-point range, where the Bulls hit 14 threes. The Jazz also sent the Bulls to the line 25 times, where they made 22 free throws. On the boards, Utah gave up 10 offensive rebounds, while recording 3 steals and 6 blocks.

The Bucks fell to 1-6 on the season after a 116-114 road loss to the Cavaliers on Monday. Milwaukee entered the game as +8.5 underdogs but managed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 230, just over the 228.5 line.

Milwaukee’s defense struggled early, allowing an 11-0 run that pushed Cleveland’s lead to 68-48. The Bucks responded by holding the Cavs to 16 points in the 3rd quarter and took a 91-89 lead into the 4th, but they were outscored 27-23 in the final period.

Damian Lillard led the Bucks with 36 points and 7 assists in their 116-114 loss to the Cavaliers, hitting 5 threes at a 55.6% rate. AJ Green also contributed 21 points, knocking down 7 threes, shooting 77.8% from deep and overall.

The Bucks connected on 17 threes as a team, shooting 48.6% from beyond the arc and 48.8% overall. Lillard scored 14 points in the 3rd quarter, while Green added 9 points in the 4th.

The Bucks struggled defensively in the 1st and 2nd quarters, giving up 35 and 38 points, respectively, but tightened up in the 3rd, allowing just 16 points. However, they couldn’t hold off the Cavaliers in the 4th, giving up 27 points in a 116-114 loss.

Overall, Milwaukee allowed Cleveland to shoot 50% from the field, including 45% from three-point range, where the Cavaliers made 17 threes. The Bucks sent Cleveland to the line 13 times, where they hit 7 free throws. Milwaukee finished with 42 defensive rebounds, allowing 5 offensive boards, and recorded 6 steals and 6 blocks.

As the underdogs with a spread of +9, we recommend going with the Jazz on the point spread. We not only see them covering the spread but also have a strong likelihood of winning this one outright, especially if you’re seeking a higher payout on the moneyline.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 230.5, and our model projects the Jazz and Bucks to reach a combined total of 264 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

Bucks Seek to End Losing Streak Against Jazz

The Milwaukee Bucks are determined to snap a six-game losing streak as they prepare to host the Utah Jazz on Thursday night. With both teams off to a disappointing 1-6 start, this game offers an opportunity for either side to find some much-needed momentum.

Bucks Look for a Turnaround Amid Struggles

Milwaukee has faced early-season adversity, including back-to-back close losses to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite Damian Lillard’s strong performance, with 36 points in Monday’s 116-114 loss, and Bobby Portis’ 21 points and 18 rebounds, the Bucks have struggled to close out games. Yet, Coach Doc Rivers remains optimistic.

“I think the team’s very positive. I think they’re upbeat,” Rivers said. “No one wants to lose. We got some tough games coming up, but one win at a time. We win three or four in a row and then the numbers say, ‘If you’re 5-6 after (11 games), you have an 80 percent chance to make the playoffs.'”

Milwaukee’s star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo missed Monday’s game due to a right adductor strain and is questionable for Thursday’s matchup. Rivers is hopeful that the extra rest will allow Antetokounmpo to suit up.

“He hates missing games,” Rivers said of Antetokounmpo. “But for his health, I think it’s the right thing.”

Antetokounmpo’s availability could be crucial for the Bucks, who have struggled defensively and are still searching for consistency with their revamped lineup, featuring Lillard.

Jazz Hope to Build on First Win of the Season

Utah’s season also began with challenges, dropping six consecutive games before finally breaking through with a 135-126 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday. In that game, guard Keyonte George delivered an impressive performance, scoring a career-high-tying 33 points, shooting 6-for-12 from three-point range, and dishing out nine assists. Forward John Collins added a double-double with 28 points and 13 rebounds off the bench.

Jazz coach Will Hardy praised his team for staying resilient.

“Starting the season 0-6 is not easy, and with the injuries and things that have gone on and changing lineups, I’m just — I’m proud of them and the way that they’ve stuck together,” Hardy said.

Utah has been hampered by injuries, most notably to Lauri Markkanen, who has missed three games due to lower back spasms. Markkanen, a key offensive contributor with 18.0 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, practiced fully on Wednesday and is listed as questionable for Thursday’s game. In his absence, rookie Kyle Filipowski has stepped up, averaging 7.0 points and 5.3 rebounds over his past three games.

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Collins expressed confidence that the team’s recent win could provide a spark.

“We have a great group of guys who lean on that positive spirit,” Collins said. “That’s going to be big for us, to not get too high or too low.”

Key Matchups and What to Watch

The Bucks and Jazz both face mounting pressure to improve. Milwaukee will look to Damian Lillard and, potentially, Giannis Antetokounmpo to generate offense, while Utah will rely on George’s playmaking and Collins’ versatility in the frontcourt. If Markkanen is able to play, he’ll add another scoring option for the Jazz, who are dealing with long-term injuries, including Taylor Hendricks, who recently underwent surgery for a fractured right fibula and dislocated ankle.

Final Thoughts

Both teams are desperate to turn their seasons around, but Milwaukee’s experience and potential return of Antetokounmpo could give them an edge. For Utah, Monday’s win over the Bulls showed that the Jazz have the grit and depth to compete, even without some key players.

As each team searches for momentum, Thursday’s clash could mark a turning point for one of these struggling squads.