Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks look to keep rolling as they face off against the Los Angeles Clippers in NBA action on Friday night.
The Clips are resting All-NBA forward Kawhi Leonard but oddsmakers still expect them to get the dub at home against the red-hot Bucks.
NBA betting lines opened with the Clippers as 1.5-point favorites before ticking up to -2.5 with the Over/Under at 226.5. Here are my best free Bucks vs. Clippers NBA picks and predictions for February 10.
Bucks vs Clippers best odds
Bucks vs Clippers picks and predictions
The Bucks are on a nine-game winning streak and while they are on the tail end of a back-to-back, it's a bit surprising to see them catching points in this spot.
The Bucks beat the Lakers last night, so they didn't actually have to travel overnight, and they've gone 6-1 ATS in their last seven games when playing on zero days of rest.
This is a Milwaukee team with the second-best record in the NBA and while the Clippers have looked terrific when Paul George and Kawhi Leonard both play, they have been mediocre without Leonard.
The two-way superstar has been ruled out for today's contest due to injury management and the Clippers' wheeling and dealing has left them looking very shorthanded today. Bones Hyland, Eric Gordon, and Mason Plumlee, who were acquired at the trade deadline, will massively upgrade the Clippers' mediocre bench.
However, none of those players will be available tonight and that, combined with the departures of Reggie Jackson and Luke Kennard, (along with the absence of Leonard) makes depth a major issue. Back the road dogs on the moneyline.
My best bet: Bucks moneyline (+115 at PointsBet)
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Bucks vs Clippers spread analysis
The Bucks are 9-0 SU and 6-3 ATS in their last nine games, moving them into second place in the Eastern Conference with a 38-17 mark. That winning streak includes a razor-close 106-105 victory in Milwaukee against the Clippers last week.
However, the Clippers had Leonard in that contest and they've been significantly worse on both sides of the floor without him. According to Cleaning the Glass, the Clippers are 13.7 points per 100 possessions better with Leonard on the court, which is the best number in the NBA for any starter not playing for Denver.
L.A. is 8-3 SU (7-4 ATS) in its last 11 games and is coming off a 110-104 loss at home to the Mavericks on Wednesday. The Clips have gone 17-9 SU with both George and Leonard in the lineup this season but are just 14-18 when one of them is sidelined.
The Bucks are led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is averaging 32.3 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. Point guard Jrue Holiday (19.1 ppg, 7.1 apg) also made the All-Star team although Khris Middleton will sit out tonight for injury management.
Bucks vs Clippers Over/Under analysis
The Under has cashed in four of Milwaukee's last five games and could be the play again.
This is not the same up-tempo Bucks as last season when they were third in the league in both offensive rating and pace. This squad is a modest 11th in pace and their offensive rating ranks 21st. It's been on defense where they've really shined, ranking second in defensive rating thanks to the ability of Giannis and Brook Lopez to defend the rim.
The Clippers have been significantly worse on offense without Leonard than on defense. They have a plus-11 offensive rating with Kawhi on the floor (meaning they are 11 points per 100 possessions better on offense) but are a more modest 2.7 points per 100 possessions better on defense.
That makes sense because, without Kawhi's shot-making ability in the lineup, they are left with George and Norman Powell as their only consistent scorers. The Clippers are also just 24th in the league in pace and their lack of scoring depth could be again exposed tonight.
Bucks vs Clippers betting trend to know
The Clippers are 6-13 ATS in their last 19 home games against a team with a winning road record. Find more NBA betting trends for Bucks vs. Clippers.
Bucks vs Clippers game info
| Location: | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date: | Friday, February 10, 2023 |
| Tip-off: | 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Bally Sports Wisconsin, Bally Sports SoCal |
