Milwaukee (38-29) at Golden State (39-29)
- When: Mar 18 2025, 10:00 PM
- Where: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
- TV: NBA TV
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Golden State Warriors – Betting Preview & Prediction
Spread: Milwaukee -3.5
Total: 227.5
Bucks Looking to Make a Statement on the Road
The Milwaukee Bucks (38-29) begin a critical five-game road stretch as they battle for home-court advantage in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Currently tied with the Indiana Pacers for fourth place, the Bucks need a strong finish to secure a top-four seed.
Coming off a disappointing 121-105 home loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Milwaukee is looking to rebound quickly against a Warriors team that has been inconsistent. Head coach Doc Rivers emphasized the importance of urgency down the stretch, making every game a must-win scenario.
Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the driving force for Milwaukee, recording a triple-double (21 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists) in the loss to Oklahoma City. Over his last seven outings, he has topped 30 points in four games while pulling down double-digit rebounds in 10 of his last 12. Against Golden State, Giannis has dominated, averaging 29.4 points in his past five matchups. He missed their first meeting this season due to a calf strain, a game the Warriors won 125-111 in Milwaukee.
This game marks the first stop on a grueling trip that includes matchups against the Lakers, Kings, Suns, and Nuggets—each a Western Conference playoff contender. If the Bucks want to hold their position in the East, they’ll need to start this stretch with a win in San Francisco.
Warriors Fighting to Stay Above Play-In Territory
The Golden State Warriors (39-29) missed a huge opportunity to gain ground in the Western Conference standings after a 115-102 home loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday. Instead of creating separation from Minnesota for the No. 6 seed, they now find themselves neck and neck, desperately trying to avoid the Play-In Tournament.
Despite playing heavy minutes, Stephen Curry (36 minutes), Jimmy Butler III (33 minutes), and Draymond Green (33 minutes) couldn’t get it done against Denver. Head coach Steve Kerr dismissed any concerns about fatigue, making it clear that playoff positioning takes priority over managing minutes at this stage of the season.
Butler, who spent years as a key rival of the Bucks while with the Chicago Bulls, had a strong outing against Denver with 23 points, leading the Warriors in scoring for the first time since joining the team. He also put up 20 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and four steals in Golden State’s win over Milwaukee in February, showing that he can impact both ends of the floor.
With the Warriors on the second night of a back-to-back, this could be a tough spot against a rested and motivated Bucks squad.
Betting Prediction:
Milwaukee has the edge in this one, with Giannis expected to dominate against a Warriors team that struggles with physicality inside. Golden State’s defense has been vulnerable in transition, which plays right into Milwaukee’s strengths.
Final Score Prediction: Bucks 116, Warriors 109
Best Bet: Milwaukee -3.5
Over/Under Lean: Under 227.5 – With the Warriors potentially dealing with fatigue and the Bucks’ defensive capabilities, the total may stay below the number.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
