Bucks vs Mavericks Odds, Picks, and Predictions Tonight: Milwaukee Bounces Back in the Big D

With a turbulent January behind them at last, the Milwaukee Bucks look for their first win under Doc Rivers tonight as they take on the depleted Dallas Mavericks.

While the Bucks remain a powerhouse in the NBA odds, they went 8-8 last month and have dropped two in a row, including a 119-116 loss in Damian Lillard’s Portland homecoming earlier this week.

Still, things are much rosier for a Dallas team with a mounting injury list. Playing without Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Mavericks were crushed 121-87 by the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, and Jason Kidd is going to need big minutes from his backups again here.

Check out my free NBA picks and predictions for Bucks vs. Mavericks on Saturday, February 3.

Bucks vs Mavericks odds

Bucks vs Mavericks predictions

If the Milwaukee Bucks are going to turn a rocky year into a title season, it’s time to turn the page and get serious. With both the Knicks and Cavaliers surging, Milwaukee is in danger of tumbling down the standings if its patchy form continues.

However, the visitors may be getting a helping hand from the schedule-makers tonight, with the Dallas Mavericks likely to be without four starters. Although Luka Doncic is set to return, Kyrie Irving and Dereck Lively II are doubtful, Derrick Jones Jr. is questionable, and Dante Exum has been ruled out.

I expect a healthy Milwaukee roster to pounce, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard overcoming Luka’s one-man show. Yes, the Bucks are only 11-11 on the road, but this line feels light given the Bucks’ urgency and the Mavericks’ absentees.

Despite all the shot-makers on show, it’s the respective defenses that I’m watching closely. I like the visitors to show renewed energy on that end of the floor under Doc Rivers, returning to their stingy ways in the paint.

On the flip side, this Dallas defense has been wretched for weeks and holds the worst defensive rating in the NBA over the past 10 games. Milwaukee can’t afford a lackluster effort in this primetime spot, so I’m betting on the Bucks to cover this small spread.

My best bet: Bucks -4.5 (-110 at SIA)

Bucks vs Mavericks same-game parlay

Bucks -4.5

Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 32.5 points

Khris Middleton Over 15.5 points

+428 at FanDuel

Antetokounmpo deferred extra touches to Lillard against Portland last time out, but this feels like a classic Giannis matchup. He erupted for 40 points when these teams squared off in November, and there’s every reason to expect a dominant game here.

Maxi Kleber and Jones Jr. are both on the injury report, and that likely leaves Grant Williams to shoulder most of the Antetokounmpo assignment. As Rivers tinkers with this Bucks offense on the fly, I expect more Giannis-Dame pick-and-rolls and better looks for the two-time MVP.

That should also have a ripple effect on Khris Middleton’s scoring. He knocked down nine of his 13 shots on the way to 21 points against the Trail Blazers on Wednesday and scored 20+ points six times in January.

In what should be a high-scoring game, I see Middleton walking into open shots against a Mavericks defense that’s looked lost lately.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Bucks vs Mavericks spread and Over/Under analysis

Despite losses to the Trail Blazers and Nuggets this week, Milwaukee enters as a road favorite here, and that feels like good value.

Yes, the Bucks are an alarming 18-29-1 against the spread this season, but they’re by far the healthier team here. They’ve also won the past three matchups against the Mavericks, including a 132-125 thriller in November.

Dallas is just 4-6 in its last 10 games and has only covered the spread in one of its past seven contests.

An Over/Under line of around 246.5 tells its own story. Even with the prospect of several key scorers in street clothes, the sportsbooks see offensive fireworks at American Airlines Center.

It’s easy to see why. The Mavericks have allowed 120 points or more in five straight contests — and seven of their last eight outings. They give up a ton of points and a Doncic-led offense always keeps the Over in play.

Meanwhile, the Bucks are second in the NBA in points (123.9), made field goals (44.5), and made free throws (20.6) per game, and the Over has been a winning ticket in three of the last four meetings between these teams.

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Bucks vs Mavericks betting trend to know

Amid other struggles, the Bucks have been a clinical crunch-time team on their travels. They’ve cashed in the fourth-quarter moneyline in 27 of their last 39 road games. Find more NBA betting trends for Bucks vs. Mavericks.

Bucks vs Mavericks game info

Bucks vs Mavericks latest injuries

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