Thunder vs. Bucks Predictions, Picks & Odds: NBA on ESPN, Sunday 3/16
This Sunday features an NBA tripleheader across ABC and ESPN, and it all wraps up with what could be considered an NBA Finals preview. Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks hosting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder, and we’ve got our Thunder vs. Bucks predictions for the showdown.
We’ve even found a market we love for a best bet from our Thunder vs. Bucks picks, and we’ll share how you can bet on anything with a $1,500 BetMGM Sportsbook welcome offer!
Thunder vs. Bucks Predictions for NBA on ESPN, 3/16
Not only is this Thunder vs. Bucks matchup the last of the tripleheader, but it’s the final game of the entire Sunday slate. So, all eyes will be on the game, and it’s one that has both teams on the second night of a back-to-back.
Both the Thunder and Bucks were able to pull off wins last night, with the OKC one being the more polarizing one. Detroit Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff went off about the officiating after the loss, but those complaints seem quite common after teams have to play Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
This is also a matchup we had just over a month ago, which was a convincing OKC win. Looking back at that game has us ready for a best bet from our Thunder vs. Bucks predictions for you.
Oklahoma City Thunder: SGA Does It Again
Before we get that far though, the aforementioned MVP frontrunner did it again just last night. That, of course, is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. While some fans are still calling for the likes of Nikola Jokic to be the MVP again, SGA continues to make history.
Last night, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander pulled off another 45+ point game this season, making it his seventh of the year. It was also his 12th 40+ point game, which is the third-most in franchise history. When James Harden and Kevin Durant did it previously, they each won the MVP award in those respective seasons.
Milwaukee Bucks: Thriving At Home
As for the Bucks, they too are coming off a win, which was nothing to scoff at. Taking down an Indiana Pacers right behind them in the Eastern Conference standings was a crucial one, especially scoring 126 points in the process.
That’s going to be much more difficult against the Thunder’s best rated defense in the NBA (it’s not all Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring), but this game will at least be in Milwaukee. The Bucks are 24-11 at home this season, but only 14-17 on the road. Even with that being the case, OKC is still the clear favorites in the Thunder vs. Bucks odds.
Thunder vs. Bucks Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines
Speaking of those Thunder vs. Bucks odds, here are the latest lines at BetMGM Sportsbook for tonight:
- Point Spread: Oklahoma City Thunder -4 (-110) vs. Milwaukee Bucks +4 (-110)
- Money Line: Oklahoma City Thunder (-180) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (+150)
- Game Total (Over/Under): Over 231.5 (-110) vs. Under 231.5 (-110)
Thunder vs. Bucks Best Bet: Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 12.5 Rebounds (-118 at BetMGM Sportsbook)
Given the Bucks strength at home but the Thunder’s overall dominance, we’re going to avoid having to worry about either team winning this game. We’re just going to enjoy hopefully an epic matchup while snagging value elsewhere for the best bet from our Thunder vs. Bucks predictions.
We noted the matchup between these teams earlier this season, which OKC easily won 125-96. However, the key aspect of that matchup - no Giannis Antetokounmpo. That’s just as significant as the Thunder not having Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and no, that wasn’t one of his 40+ point games (he still had 36).
Regardless, we’re looking for Giannis Antetokounmpo to have a big night on the boards. We’ve seen OKC’s Chet Holmgren banged up throughout the season, and the Greek Freak could exploit things down low anyway.
As mentioned, the Thunder’s defense is absolutely elite, which is a factor not many fans talk about with how flashy SGA is on the offensive end of the court. While that is true, the one aspect of their defense that is not top five is their rebounding. In that regard, their 45.6 rebounds allowed per game are the sixth-most in the NBA.
That is exactly what Giannis Antetokounmpo exploited when these teams met last season, as he went off for 19 rebounds. Of course, this is a new year, but it’s still not something to completely ignore, especially with those rebounding struggles for OKC.
Therefore, we’re locking in the best bet from our Thunder vs. Bucks predictions on Giannis Antetokounmpo over 12.5 rebounds (-118 at BetMGM Sportsbook).
Thunder vs. Bucks Injury Report & Latest News
We noted the Chet Holmgren injury concerns for the Thunder, and they also have Lu Dort and Aaron Wiggins listed as day-to-day. As for the Bucks, they’re clean across the board. Lastly, here are the projected starting lineups for tonight’s game on ESPN…
OKC Thunder:
MIL Bucks:
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Player News
Anthony Davis (adductor) and Brandon Williams (oblique) are probable for Friday’s game against the Grizzlies.
Davis was listed as probable Wednesday against the Kings, but ultimately played 35 minutes and had 27 points in the win. The 32-year-old is once again listed as probable with the adductor injury that sidelined him earlier this season. Davis figures to be available as the Mavericks battle the Grizzlies for the eighth seed in the Western Conference on Friday.
Ja Morant (ankle) is questionable for Friday’s game against the Mavericks.
Morant told reporters after Tuesday’s loss to the Warriors that he expects to play Friday. Nevertheless, the 25-year-old point guard missed practice Thursday and is officially listed as questionable with a right ankle sprain. While it’s hard to envision Morant sitting out a game of importance like Friday’s, his ankle is clearly bothering him. If Morant is out, Santi Aldama and Luke Kennard will be in line for extra minutes with Kennard potentially moving into the starting lineup.
Trae Young (Achilles) is probable for Friday’s game against the Heat.
Even in the postseason, the Hawks continue to list Young as probable with an Achilles injury. The listing is performative, stemming from Young being held out of an NBA Cup game earlier this season despite not appearing on the injury report, which resulted in a $100K fine for the Hawks. With the Hawks’ season on the line Friday, expect Young to be cleared to play once again.
Pelle Larsson (ankle) and Nikola Jovic (hand) are questionable for Friday’s game against the Hawks.
No big surprises on the Heat injury report heading into Friday’s game. While Larsson and Jovic are questionable, Duncan Robinson (back), Alec Burks (back) and Haywood Highsmith (Achilles) are all available. Larsson was questionable, but ultimately available against the Bulls Wednesday, though he didn’t play due to coach’s decision. Jovic was out Wednesday as he hasn’t played since February with a broken right hand.
Ja Morant (ankle) missed practice on Thursday and will be a game-time decision against the Mavericks on Friday.
Morant finished out Tuesday’s game against the Warriors after injuring his ankle during overtime and said after the game that he will play on Friday. It’s difficult to imagine him not suiting up for a win-or-go-home game, but the ankle is clearly bothering him quite a bit, which could impact his performance on the court. If something changes, Santi Aldama and Luke Kennard will take on extra minutes, with Kennard potentially replacing Morant in the starting unit.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reports Damian Lillard has been cleared of his deep vein thrombosis and is no longer on blood-thinning medication.
Charania also reported that this is an incredibly quick recovery for Lillard that was made possible by early treatment. It is an excellent development for both Dame and the Bucks. He has been ruled out for Game 1 against the Pacers on Saturday, and they will give him time to ramp up before he returns to the lineup. It’s unclear what that timeline looks like, but Lillard is certainly on pace to return sooner rather than later. Ryan Rollins should continue to start in place of Dame until he returns.