Milwaukee Bucks vs Utah Jazz Prediction: The Bucks can bounce back from the Grizzlies' thumping

The NBA has once again proven to be a tricky betting territory and as we move deeper, the competition level is only going to soar. The Midseason window often brings a bunch of trades, and injuries, and also some teams figure out their chemistry and make unprecedented runs. For the Milwaukee Bucks, the hot period has been on and they will be up against an unpredictable Utah Jazz unit.

The Bucks come into this game after suffering their worst loss of the season, losing 101:142 against the Memphis Grizzlies in a game where the Bucks an astounding 47 points in the third quarter. They have lost two games in a row away from home, both times their offense not looking as fluid as it should be. Despite some losses here and there, the Bucks have been in great touch, having won 20 games and losing just eight.

The team has cooled off a bit after starting the season with nine wins and zero losses, having lost eight and winning 11 since then. Still, with Giannis Antetokounmpo in the tracks and Middleton is back too. The Bucks continue to rely heavily upon Jrue Holiday as the Floor General and his absence has hurt the team repeatedly since the last couple of seasons. The Bucks are the early title favorites.

The Jazz comes into this game after overcoming the New Orleans Pelicans 132:129 in the Overtime as Jordan Clarkson dipped 39 points. They have won five out of their last eight games and their offense continues to showcase a high. During this period, 120+ in all the wins and their long-range shooting coupled with the great passing game has paid dividends as the team has exceeded expectations.

The interesting thing about the Jazz is that it is not just one player that they depend upon to lead them in scoring. Lately, Clarkson has led the scoring but Malik Beasley has had a couple of leading efforts too. The Jazz has done a great job of building a deep guard rotation and since Mike Conley’s return, the ball movement has again gotten back to where it was. 17 wins and 14 losses make for a decent record.

• Bucks: OUT: Khris Middleton, Joe Ingles. PROBABLE: Jrue Holiday, Serge Ibaka. QUESTIONABLE: Giannis Antetokounmpo;
• Jazz: OUT: Collin Sexton. QUESTIONABLE: Simone Fontecchio.

• Jordan Clarkson: 23+ Points;
• Bobby Portis: 9+ Rebounds;
• Lauri Markkanen: 23+ Points;
• Jrue Holiday: 9+ Assists.

The Bucks have been amazing throughout the season but Giannis is questionable here ad if he doesn’t play here, the Bucks’ chances are going to take a hit here. The Jazz has been an amazing offensive team but their play away from home lacks the same intensity. However, I smell some momentum in the Jazz’s direction and although the Bucks’ defense is elite, I see them hitting a slowdown game here. I think this will be a close game with the scorline of 117:113 either way.