Denver (38-20) at Milwaukee (32-25)
- When: Feb 27 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- TV: TNT
Game Preview
Denver Favored by 3, Total Set at 239.5
The Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks square off in a high-profile matchup on Thursday night, featuring two MVP frontrunners in Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
With Denver favored by 3 points on the road and the total set at a high 239.5, this game is expected to be an offensive battle between two of the NBA’s best teams. Will Denver’s balanced attack secure a big road win, or can Milwaukee bounce back after a tough loss to Houston?
Denver Nuggets: Looking to Build Momentum on the Road
The Nuggets (41-18) have been one of the hottest teams in the league, winning 10 of their last 11 games, including a 125-116 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Monday. That win came after a disappointing home loss to the Lakers, a game where Denver looked out of sync.
“We knew this road trip was going to be a challenge,” Nuggets coach Mike Malone said. “To respond to a tough home loss to the Lakers speaks a lot to our guys’ understanding of what time of the year it is and handling their business.”
Denver had six players score in double figures against Indiana, led by Aaron Gordon’s 25 points, while Jokic delivered 18 points and a career-high 19 assists in a well-balanced effort.
Jokic is putting up career-best numbers, averaging 29.2 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game.
The Nuggets are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games.
Denver has covered the spread in four of their last five matchups against Milwaukee.
Expect Jokic to control the tempo, but Denver’s success could depend on their supporting cast—players like Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. will need to step up against a tough Bucks team.
Milwaukee Bucks: Looking for a Bounce-Back Performance at Home
The Bucks (39-20) had their four-game winning streak snapped on Tuesday, falling 100-97 to the Houston Rockets in a game where Damian Lillard struggled with his shot.
Lillard missed two open three-pointers in the final minute and finished with 22 points on just 7-of-22 shooting.
“I didn’t think we used Kuz (Kyle Kuzma) enough tonight,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said. “We ran two or three plays for him in the fourth quarter, and he didn’t get it … the ball just wasn’t moving.”
With Khris Middleton no longer on the roster, the Bucks are still adjusting to their new rotation, but Antetokounmpo continues to dominate, averaging 31.0 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game.
Milwaukee is 6-4 ATS in their last 10 home games.
The Bucks are 5-2 in their last seven home matchups vs. Denver.
The total has gone UNDER in four of Milwaukee’s last six games.
Giannis has been dealing with a calf injury, but his minutes restriction is increasing, and he played 31 minutes on Tuesday. If Lillard can find his shooting rhythm and the Bucks get solid production from their role players, they could keep this one tight.
Game Prediction & Best Bets
This game has the makings of a high-scoring battle between two elite offenses, but Denver has been more consistent recently, while Milwaukee is still adjusting to its post-trade-deadline rotation.
Expect Jokic to control the game with his passing, and if Lillard’s struggles continue, Denver should be able to cover the short spread on the road.
Best Bets:
Denver -3.0 – The Nuggets are in better form and have been one of the most efficient road teams in the NBA.
Under 239.5 – With Milwaukee still adjusting and Denver’s pace being methodical, this total could end up slightly lower than expected.
Final Score Prediction: Denver 119, Milwaukee 114
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
