The Milwaukee Bucks will host a showdown against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. The game starts at 8:00 pm ET on Friday, Mar. 4 and can be seen on FWi and FNo.
The Bucks are expecting better results after their 104-99 loss to the Pacers on Wednesday. Giannis Antetokounmpo had a good game for Milwaukee, contributing 22 points, six rebounds, and three assists. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, are coming off a 104-98 loss at the hands of the Wizards on Wednesday. Minnesota still lost despite the best efforts of Karl-Anthony Towns, who recorded his 35th double-double of the season with 14 points and 15 rebounds.
Over the last five games, Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton have been better than usual for the Bucks. During that stretch, Antetokounmpo has averaged 17.8 points, 10.6 rebounds, 7.8 assists, 1.8 steals, and 2.0 blocks. Not to be outdone, Middleton has put up 23.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.6 steals, and 1.4 three-pointers.
This is the second game of the year between these two teams, with the Bucks winning the first matchup 95-85. Greg Monroe recorded a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
The Bucks enter the game with records of 25-36 Straight Up (SU) and 30-30-1 Against The Spread (ATS). They are 25-36 SU and 30-30-1 ATS against the Western Conference. The Bucks have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 107.0 points during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 99.1 points per game. The Bucks are one of the best in the NBA in terms of field-goal percentage, shooting a superb .464 from the field. Milwaukee’s defense has fallen apart in the past 10 games. Its average points allowed per game rose to 112.3 during that span, compared to its 103.3 season average. Something to watch out for is if Milwaukee can force its opponents into turnovers and convert them into baskets. They’ve done an excellent job of that all year with an average of 18.4 points off turnovers per game.
On the other side, the Timberwolves have 19-42 SU and 27-33-1 ATS records. In Eastern Conference games, Minnesota has gone 19-42 SU and 27-33-1 ATS. The Timberwolves get to the line and convert their free throws at a high volume, leading the league with 1,344 made (22.0 per game).
In their previous meeting this season, Milwaukee beat Minnesota, bringing the head-to-head record to an even 5-5 SU over the last 10 meetings. On the other hand, with a 6-4 record, the Timberwolves have the advantage ATS.
Predictions: SU Winner – Mil
Notes
Both Minnesota and Milwaukee rank 19th in points per game and points allowed per game respectively. Minnesota puts up 101.0 points per game, while Milwaukee gives up 103.3.
Minnesota scores an average of 101.7 points per away game (ranked 10th). Milwaukee ranks 19th in points allowed per home game with 102.1.
When giving up fewer than 100 points, Minnesota has a 10-7 record. When Milwaukee scores fewer than 100, they are a poor 9-25.
Minnesota is a subpar 9-35 when it allows 100 or more points. Milwaukee has a 16-11 record when it hits triple digits.
The Bucks have a defensive rating of 106.4 (ranked 22nd), while the Timberwolves rank 11th for their offensive rating of 104.2.
The Milwaukee Bucks have one of the best field goal percentages this season, ranking fourth in the league with a FG% of 46.4%. When their opponents record a similar or higher FG%, the Minnesota Timberwolves have an underachieving 7-30 record.
The Milwaukee Bucks and the Minnesota Timberwolves both rank higher in average field goal percentage when compared to their effective field goal percentages. Milwaukee is 15th and fourth in the league for EFF% and FG% respectively, while Minnesota ranks 25th and 11th in these categories.
Milwaukee makes an average of 23.0 assists per game (ranked eighth), while Minnesota makes 22.4 assists per game (ranked 11th).
The Milwaukee Bucks are one of the worst rebounding teams in the league with just 42.0 per game. The Minnesota Timberwolves average 42.3 rebounds (ranked 25th).
The Minnesota Timberwolves rank 17th in offensive rebounding, while the Milwaukee Bucks rank 29th in defensive rebounding.
Milwaukee is one of the top teams in forced turnovers, with opponents averaging a TOV% of 15.0% (ranked seventh). Minnesota has a poor record of 9-21 SU this season when its TOV% reaches 15.0% or greater.
