Denver Nuggets vs Milwaukee Bucks: Nuggets are hurt right now

In this cross-conference affair, the Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets come face-to-face. The Bucks have righted their ship and are three games above the 50% win mark. Meanwhile, the Nuggets are struggling due to injuries and have lost half of their 18 games so far. For a quick overview, head to the “Notes” section.

Lax Schedule: Bucks have played five teams in a row with a winning record of 50% or under. It is no surprise that the team has blown out the opposition in all those games and has looked in prime touch. Yes, they have Middleton back and all but an easy schedule arrived at the right time when the squad had a paltry 6-8 record. Now, the Bucks will face an injury-riddled Nuggets team to enjoy this lax schedule.

Defending champs for a reason: Bucks have a huge length which allows them to be dominant on both ends of the floor. With Giannis both as an offensive and defensive anchor, players like Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday can play freely. Grayson Allen has been a great addition, Portis is playing as well as he has ever played while Pat Connaughton has shown improvements. Bucks are loaded for another deep run it seems like. 

No breaks: First, Jamal Murray went down months ago, then Michael Porter Jr. went down. Nikola Jokic hasn’t played in a week or so while PJ Dozier has been ruled out of the season. The Nuggets are cursed with injuries right now and with Porter Jr. probably out for the season, Murray not coming back anytime soon, they can face a tumultuous time during this campaign

How can they win?: Yes, Will Barton has taken his game to a new level, Aaron Gordon is a reliable big-forward but they are not star players. Young Michael Porter Jr. was among the top 25 players in defensive win shares and that defense has really detiorated with him and Jokic out. Of course, producing offense has been a problem but the Nuggets have slipped in terms of defense after limiting most teams under 100 early in the season.

Here are some quick hitters related to the game:

• Milwaukee is 5-4 away from home. Bucks are on a five-game winning streak.
• Nuggets are 7-3 at home but most of the wins were with a healthy roster. The team has lost five in a row, mostly without Jokic.
• Bucks have scored 114, 117, 123, 96, 107 in their last five matches.
• Nuggets have scored 100, 97, 108, 89, 101 in the last five games.
• Bucks have allowed 93, 92, 108, 89, 102 in the last five games.
• Nuggets have allowed 126, 119, 114, 103, 111 in the last five matches.
• Giannis Antetokoumpo leads the Bucks in points, rebounds, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocks.
• Will Barton and Aaron Gordon have led the team in scoring mostly with Jokic, Murray, and Porter Jr. out.
• Bobby Portis has accumulated four double-double games in a row. He has grabbed 10 rebounds or more four times in a row.
• Michael Porter Jr., Jamal Murray, and PJ Dozier will be out long-term for Denver. Nikola Jokic and Bones Hyland are questionable for this game.
• Semi Ojeleye and Donte DiVincenzo will probably not play this month. Brook Lopez may make a comeback soon for the Bucks.

Points Range: There is no doubt that both teams are poles apart in terms of success, experience, depth, and health. The Bucks can do a demolition job and put up 115 points or so with the way Nuggets are playing right now. The total range seems to be somewhere between 210-225 points here.

Prediction: Bucks will blow out the Denver Nuggets.

• Away Team Total Points: Over 108.5 for 1.90;
• Player Props: Player Rebounds: Bobby Portis Over 8.50 for 2.00;
• W2 By 8 or more points for 2.39.