Milwaukee (26-21) at Oklahoma City (38-9)
- When: Feb 3 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- TV: FDSOK
Game Preview
Oklahoma City -12.0 | Total: 232.0
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Milwaukee Bucks meet in a highly anticipated rematch on Monday night, this time with regular-season stakes on the line. The last time these two teams clashed, Milwaukee walked away with the NBA Cup trophy after a convincing 97-81 victory in Las Vegas. However, things have changed significantly since that December matchup, with Oklahoma City surging to the top of the Western Conference, while Milwaukee continues to battle inconsistency.
Oklahoma City Thunder: High-Powered & Red-Hot
The Thunder have been rolling since that NBA Cup loss, winning 18 of their last 22 games and proving they belong among the league’s elite. Fresh off a dominant 144-110 rout of Sacramento, Oklahoma City looks like a team firing on all cylinders.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains the focal point of OKC’s attack, averaging 31.1 points per game while shooting a blistering 54.3% from the field. In Saturday’s win, SGA put up 29 points in just three quarters before resting late, allowing Aaron Wiggins to steal the show with a career-high 41 points.
A key factor to watch is the availability of Jalen Williams, who was recently named to his first All-Star team but is questionable with a wrist injury. His status, along with injuries to Cason Wallace and Alex Caruso, could impact the Thunder’s defensive rotations, particularly in guarding Milwaukee’s perimeter weapons.
Key Props to Consider for OKC:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 32.5 Points – SGA is the NBA’s second-leading scorer and has exceeded this mark in 11 of his last 13 games.
Thunder Team Total Over 121.5 Points – OKC has averaged 126.8 points per game in their last five outings and faces a Bucks team allowing nearly 134 points per game during their current skid.
Milwaukee Bucks: Defensive Struggles Continue
The Bucks have been reeling in recent weeks, dropping three straight and four of their last five, including Sunday’s 132-119 home loss to Memphis. Milwaukee’s defense has been a glaring issue, giving up an average of 133.7 points per game over their last three contests.
Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to put up MVP-caliber numbers, posting 35 points and 12 rebounds against the Spurs on Friday, but the supporting cast has been inconsistent. Damian Lillard has been solid but not at his dominant best, while the team has struggled to get stops on the defensive end.
Adding to the uncertainty, Bobby Portis remains out for personal reasons, and his status for Monday is up in the air. Portis’ absence removes a key rebounding and scoring presence off the bench, something the Bucks have struggled to replace.
Key Props to Consider for Milwaukee:
Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 30.5 Points – The Greek Freak has been carrying Milwaukee offensively, and with OKC potentially missing key defenders, he’ll have an opportunity to dominate.
Damian Lillard Over 7.5 Assists – With Milwaukee needing to keep up offensively, Lillard will likely have to facilitate more, making this an appealing play.
Final Prediction & Best Bets
Oklahoma City enters this matchup in far better form than Milwaukee and has been nearly unbeatable at home, boasting a 20-5 record on their own floor. Meanwhile, the Bucks are on the second night of a back-to-back and haven’t looked sharp defensively, making this a tough spot for them to turn things around.
Expect the Thunder to come out strong, push the pace, and exploit Milwaukee’s defensive vulnerabilities. Giannis and Lillard will do their best to keep things competitive, but the Thunder’s balanced attack and recent dominance give them the clear edge.
Best Bets:
✅ Oklahoma City -12.0 – The Thunder are a dominant home team, while Milwaukee has been a mess defensively.
✅ Game Total Over 232.0 – With the way both teams score, expect a high-paced, high-scoring contest.
✅ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 32.5 Points – SGA is thriving, and with Milwaukee’s perimeter defense struggling, he should have another big night.
The Thunder should have revenge on their minds after the NBA Cup loss, and this time, they have the home-court advantage to settle the score. Expect a comfortable win for Oklahoma City.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
