Oklahoma City (55-12) at Milwaukee (38-28)
- When: Mar 16 2025, 9:00 PM
- Where: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- TV: ESPN
NBA Showdown: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Milwaukee Bucks
The MVP race heats up as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Giannis Antetokounmpo lead their teams into a primetime showdown. Oklahoma City Thunder are riding a hot streak, dominating the Western Conference, while the Milwaukee Bucks look to prove they’re still contenders in the East. SGA continues his MVP campaign, but Giannis is making his own case as Milwaukee fights to build momentum heading into the playoffs.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Key Players: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace
The Thunder have been nearly unstoppable, winning nine of their last ten and maintaining a 12.5-game lead atop the West. SGA has been on fire, dropping 48 points against Detroit on Saturday, his 12th 40+ point game this season.
Gilgeous-Alexander leads the NBA in scoring (33.0 PPG) and continues to make his MVP case.
Chet Holmgren, back in the lineup, will be key inside against Milwaukee’s bigs.
Cason Wallace is stepping up in a bigger role, dropping 20 points vs. Detroit in the absence of Jalen Williams and Luguentz Dort.
The Thunder crushed Milwaukee 125-96 in their previous meeting in February. SGA had 34 points, while Giannis and Lillard sat out. With Oklahoma City clicking offensively and shooting 54% from the field in their last two games, expect another strong performance.
Best Bets:
Thunder -5 (Cover the spread)
SGA Over 31.5 Points
Chet Holmgren Over 2.5 Blocks
Milwaukee Bucks
Key Players: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Brook Lopez
The Bucks are trying to stay afloat in the Eastern Conference, but consistency has been an issue. They snapped a three-game skid with back-to-back wins, but Oklahoma City presents a much tougher challenge.
Giannis had 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists against Indiana and remains a dark horse in the MVP race.
Damian Lillard has found his shooting rhythm, hitting six threes and finishing with 25 points against the Pacers.
Brook Lopez has quietly been productive, defending the paint and hitting threes.
Milwaukee desperately needs a statement win but will have their hands full against a Thunder squad that ranks in the top 5 in defensive efficiency. If the Bucks can limit turnovers (17 vs. Indiana) and get their stars going early, they have a shot to cover or even steal the win.
Best Bets:
Giannis Over 29.5 Points
Damian Lillard Over 3.5 Threes
Brook Lopez Over 1.5 Blocks
Final Prediction:
The Thunder are locked in and have dominated opponents over the past month, while Milwaukee has been inconsistent. With SGA playing at an MVP level and Holmgren providing an interior presence, the Thunder should pull away late. Expect Milwaukee to put up a fight, but Oklahoma City’s defense and offensive firepower will be too much.
Final Score: Thunder 119, Bucks 111
Spread: Thunder -5
Total: Under 232.5
SGA Delivers Another MVP Performance
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
